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If we begin to understand this as the base cause of our dukkha, we may understand why anātman is central to Buddhism. And if we begin to understand this ego-self in action, we may be able to reduce dukkha.
The Pali word anattā (anātman in Sanskrit) in Buddhism is used for the teaching of ‘non-self.” The ancient Greeks knew about this concept from the Greek philosopher, Pyrrho of Elis (~365-270 BC). He traveled to India, understood and wrote about anattā in Greek and yet little of his writings become part of our western philosophy.
Understanding, evaluating and embracing anātman is very difficult given our cultural heritage. It could be we have our own sacred cow, one that demands a permanent self that is unique and eternal. It demands we follow circumscribed behavior in order to achieve an eternal afterlife in a desired metaphysical world. And by extension, its implication of consequences of what it is to be a success or failure in this life. While the former is explained by some religions, the latter is formed by the accepted mundane concepts of a given era.
The reality is that “Anxiety disorders will affect nearly 1 in 3 adults,”1 according to a 2023 report by UC Davis. We have a choice. We may continue to live with ever increasing stress/anxiety in our lives or, we can explore the alternative.
In Buddhism we have free will to choose within the causes and conditions we find ourselves in. To “do nothing” is a choice most of us take most of the time. But as we become more conscious of the dukkha in our lives we seek to find an alternate way to live this life. Anātman, from the perspective of liberation, offers a world without constraints, a world that frees us to experience life in peace, wisdom and compassion.
Alternatively, to be “somebody in particular” requires living in a narrow range of thoughts, behaviors and beliefs. In other words, we choose to live in a world with limitations of our own creation, a life that is circumscribed, one with boundaries that, if crossed, has consequences.
Understanding anātman allows us see the ego-self for what it is. To be me and not somebody in particular is a relief. As we say in Shin Buddhism “come as you are.” Yes.
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu
Namo Amida Butsu
Rev. Anita
1https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/anxiety-disorders-will-affect-nearly-1-in-3-adults-heres-what-you-need-to-know/2023/05
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