Buddhism Quiz: Understanding Anatta and Self

Study Notes

Buddhist Doctrine

Anatta, or non-self, is a central concept in Buddhism, meaning that there is no permanent, underlying substance that can be called the soul.
The individual is compounded of five constantly changing factors.
The three characteristics of all existence are anatta, anicca (impermanence), and dukkha (suffering).
Recognition of these three doctrines constitutes "right understanding".

Four Noble Truths

Existence is suffering (dukkha).
Suffering has a cause, namely craving and attachment (trishna).
There is a cessation of suffering, which is nirvana.
There is a path to the cessation of suffering, the eightfold path.

Eightfold Path

Right views
Right resolve
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right mindfulness
Right concentration

Characteristics of Buddhism

Reality is described in terms of process and relation rather than entity or substance.
Many forms of Buddhism exist around the world, each revering certain texts.

Confucianism

Confucianism is a societal philosophy rather than a religion.
It believes in the golden rule: "Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you."
The quest for the human self is focused on the personality.
Personality is seen as being formed through upbringing and environment.
Every person is born with four beginnings: compassion, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom.
These beginnings can lead to the development of virtues such as Jen, Yi, Li, and Chih.

Virtues in Confucianism

Jen: compassion, goodwill, sympathy, politeness, and generosity.
Yi: rightness, respect of duty, and guardianship towards nature and humanity.
Li: respectability, decency, and conformity to accepted standards of behavior and morality.
Chih: wisdom brought about by practicing Jen, Yi, and Li.

Taoism

Taoism is based on the writings of Laozi, who lived around 2,500 years ago.
The focus is on the Dao (Tao), "the way", which is interpreted as a return to the natural world.
The Dao is composed of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.
Taoist practices emphasize selflessness, simplicity, and modesty.
The goal of life is to find one's own personal adjustment to the rhythm of the natural and supernatural world.
Taoists stress the importance of harmonizing with nature by balancing yin and yang.

Description

Learn about the Buddhist doctrine of Anatta, which emphasizes the absence of a permanent self or soul. Discover how the concept of Anatta differs from the Hindu belief in Atman. Explore the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha.