Grammatical Analysis
Attā: [m.] self; soul; ego; abiding core; essence. (Equivalent to Sanskrit Ātman).
Orthodox Definition
In orthodox Theravāda doctrine, Attā represents the supreme existential illusion. It is the false, deeply ingrained assumption that within the shifting phenomena of the mind and body, there exists a permanent, independent, controlling “I”, “me”, or “soul” that owns experiences and transmigrates intact from life to life.
The Buddha systematically dismantled the concept of Attā by analyzing the five aggregates (khandha). He demonstrated that any posited “self” must either be identical to the aggregates (which are impermanent, and therefore the self would die), or separate from the aggregates (which is impossible, as no experience occurs outside the aggregates).
Clinging to the concept of Attā manifests as Sakkāya-diṭṭhi (Identity View), which is the very first fetter binding beings to saṃsāra. The realization of Anattā (non-self) is the exclusive, definitive breakthrough that guarantees the attainment of Stream-entry and eventual Nibbāna.
Textual References
- Sutta: Alagaddūpama Sutta (MN 22) – The famous “Simile of the Water Snake,” where the Buddha explicitly declares: “Monks, I do not see any doctrine of self that would not arouse sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair in one who clings to it.”
- Canonical: Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (SN 22.59) – The structural deconstruction of the soul theory.
- Commentary: Visuddhimagga (Chapter XX) – Advanced analytical meditations designed to systematically unmask and shatter the perception of self.