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Questions tagged [anatman]

The Sanskrit term for the concept of 'not self' or 'no fixed self'. This is classified among the three marks of existence, namely impermanence, suffering and no fixed self. The equivalent Pali term is Anatta.

In Buddhism, the term anattā (Pali) or anātman (Sanskrit) refers to the perception of "not-self", recommended as one of the seven beneficial perceptions, which along with the perception of dukkha and impermanence is also formally classified among the three marks of existence.

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The actualization of Anatta

Having attempted to understand the actualization of Anatta, i am at a complete loss. The more i endeavor to understand the meaning, the more confusing it seems. I have read; What is the best translation of Anatta into English? What is the precise…
Motivated
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Why should I focus on that which is not mine?

I was sitting among my friends when I realised none of them are mine. They will change or perish. I felt detached and disconnected. I no longer focused on what they were saying. I appeared absent minded to them. I appeared as one who doesn't…
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If i am the result of an aggregate, how does one refer to oneself?

It is my understanding that illusion, reality, rebirth and reincarnation are a result of the aggregates i.e. vision, taste, sound, emotions, smell and mind. - Source If one is am simply a composition of these aggregates, how does one refer to…
Motivated
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When the Pali suttas say that it is not the "same" thing that is born and dies what do they mean?

When the Pali suttas say that it is not the "same" bundle of psycho-physical properties that is born and dies what do they mean: do they mean that conventional desginators like "I" only refer to different concrete things (a baby, an old man) but…
user2512
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Is this talk just a convention?

In this question it was said that Buddha said "I, the unexcelled teacher. I, alone, am rightly self-awakened ... I am a conqueror (of evil qualities)." The answer seems to be that Buddha used 'I' for sake of convention. Given Anatta , is the…
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Should I identify myself as formless?

Namo Buddhaya. Sabbe Dhamma Anatta. Form is Anatta too. Meaning form is not worth identifying as myself, me or mine. Does that mean that I should identify myself as formless ? Am I in form or am I formless or I do not exist ? Similarly for feelings…
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Why does Milinda step into Nagasena's trap?

Referring to the discussion between Milinda and Nagasena: Why King Milinda does not consider all together - pole, axle, wheels etc. - his chariot? Normally one defines a chariot a means for transportation consisting of pole, axle, wheels, etc. This…
Jo Wehler
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If I gift money to somebody then am I doing Adhamma?

Sabbe Dhamma Anatta says Form is not me , mine or myself.Feeling is not me , mine or myself .Perception is not me , mine or myself.Choices is not me , mine or myself.Consciousness is not me , mine or myself. Suppose I give one million dollar to…
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Identification with form

I have a pretty strong identification with body. I have listened to many Buddhist talks which tell me the body is not self. While I understand this on an intellectual level, I still can feel shame or embarrassment about this body. Does anyone know…
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The "conventional" self - in what way can it be accepted?

Buddhist writers, such as Joseph Goldstein and Thupten Jinpa, say that although the self is not intrinsically real, that we still accept the "conventional" idea of self. For example: If we arrive at the knowledge that the self at which we grasp is…
user8619
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Impermanent self

I hear people saying this a lot regarding Annatta - "if something is impermanent then it cannot be self." But doesn't this only apply if you're coming from the view that a 'self' must be permanent? Why can't the self be impermanent? If I have…
Arturia
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Is the emptiness of persons an emptiness of essence or just substance?

Is the emptiness of persons an emptiness of their essence, which (I think) would be a defining characteristic, like how "fire" is always "hot", or just substance? Do any Buddhist texts say no?
user2512
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How is the Anatta (not-self) doctrine useful?

My question today concerns Anatta's usefulness. What good does it bring us to realize that the "self" (what things are and who we are), because it is permanently changing, is therefore not real ? (that there's no "this is like that" or "I am like…
Arthur A. Jacomelli
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Was something done by me?

All happenings are phenomenon. Happenings are Anatta. Therefore I am not happening neither happening is myself nor am I the owner of happening. Give the above fact , is it true that I need to abandon the view that I am doing something or something…
Dheeraj Verma
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Is it correct to say that 'one who craves for ...' and imply existence of self?

Buddha says in saṃyuktāgama: “One who craves for and delights in bodily form, craves for and delights in dukkha. One who craves for and delights in dukkha will not attain liberation from dukkha. In the same way one who craves for and delights…
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