noself

Noself, usually written no-self or anatta, is a central doctrine in Buddhism describing the absence of a permanent, independent self. The term comes from the Pali anatta and Sanskrit anātman, meaning “not self” or “without a self.” In early Buddhist schools, no-self refers to the five aggregates—form, feeling, perception, volitional formations, and consciousness—each of which is impermanent and lacks an unchanging essence. There is no enduring entity that possesses or experiences these aggregates.

A key element of no-self is dependent origination (paticcasamuppada): phenomena arise in dependence on causes and conditions and therefore lack intrinsic existence. Attachment to a permanent self is seen as a root cause of suffering (dukkha). The doctrine is traditionally grounded in early suttas such as the Anatta-lakkhana Sutta, and is developed further in Abhidhamma literature and subsequent Buddhist schools. In Mahayana Buddhism, the idea is often expanded into emptiness (shunyata) of all phenomena, including persons, as argued by Nagarjuna; many schools hold that conventional selves exist in ordinary life while ultimate reality reveals no inherent self.

Practically, insight into no-self is cultivated through meditation and contemplative inquiry, aiming to loosen clinging to ego and to realize liberation. Practices such as insight (vipassana) meditation and analysis of the five aggregates and dependent origination are common paths. No-self is not nihilism or denial of experience; rather, it reframes selfhood and experience in terms of interdependence.

In modern discourse, noself enters secular psychology and mindfulness discussions, where the concept is sometimes used to describe experiences of ego dissolution or detachment. Critics warn against misinterpretations that deny personhood or ethical responsibility, while proponents highlight its experiential and practical benefits in reducing suffering.