anatma

Anatma, also known as anatta, is a fundamental concept in Buddhism. It translates to "non-self" or "no-soul." The doctrine of anatma asserts that there is no permanent, unchanging, independent self or soul that exists within individuals. This contrasts with many other spiritual and philosophical traditions that posit the existence of an eternal soul.

According to Buddhist teachings, what we perceive as a self is a composite of impermanent physical and mental phenomena. These phenomena include the body, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. They are constantly arising and passing away, and thus lack any inherent, lasting essence. Attachment to the idea of a fixed self is seen as a primary source of suffering (dukkha). By understanding and realizing anatma, Buddhists aim to dismantle this attachment, leading to liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering.

The concept of anatma is closely related to the other two marks of existence in Buddhism: anicca (impermanence) and dukkha (suffering). Because all conditioned phenomena are impermanent, they are also inherently unsatisfactory, and because there is no permanent self to cling to, the idea of a self is ultimately illusory. The realization of anatma is a key goal in Buddhist practice and meditation.