Grammatical Analysis
Anattā: [m.; adj.] non-self; soul-less; without essence; insubstantial. Formed by an (negative prefix) + attā (self, ego, soul).
Orthodox Definition
Anattā is the most distinctive doctrine of Theravāda Buddhism, separating it completely from Hindu systems that posit an unchanging soul (ātman) and Mahāyāna systems that imply an inherent Buddha-nature. It asserts that nowhere in physical or mental phenomena can a permanent, independent, controlling self-entity be found.
The Visuddhimagga and ancient commentaries clarify that all things are Anattā because:
- They are unmanageable and empty of autonomous power (asāmikato - lordless; you cannot command your body or mind never to age or experience pain).
- They are devoid of an abiding inner core, core substance, or soul (asārato).
- They exist solely dependent on transient conditions (paccaya-paṭibaddhato).
Crucially, the characteristic of non-self applies not only to conditioned things (saṅkhāra) but also to the unconditioned element: “Sabbe dhammā anattā” (All phenomena, including Nibbāna, are non-self).
Textual References
- Sutta: Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (SN 22.59) – The historic second discourse of the Buddha, delivered to the group of five bhikkhus.
- Canonical: Dhammapada (v. 279) – Affirming that all dhammā are non-self.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XX) – Detailed analysis of the emptiness of any soul or agent.