Anattā

The Buddhist concept of Anattā categorically denies the existence of a transcendent self (e.g. soul) that found amongst almost all other major religions. Self, as taught by Buddha, is an aggregation of senses and intellect.

Significance

In Religion

With this concept, Buddhism diverged from virtually every other major religion. However, this doesn't deny the existence of the reincarnation, heaven, and hell. While, the self will perish, it will not perish in any near future (In most religions, souls will find a resting place for eternity at the end). Harmonizing the concept of self as a aggregate of bodily functions with a process that transcends body, namely rebirth, has been done through a complex theory of quasi-materialistic process based on dependant origination.

In Psychology

With the understanding of Anattā, comes a radically different set of axioms to live the life by. However, understanding this concept both intellectually and emotionally is not an easy feat.

Philosophy

Many philosophers like Nāgārjuna did impressive work on this concept, expounding thoroughly and building a system of theological understanding.

Art

Various branches of Zen art and literature depends on this concept not only as a subject,^[1] but as a core philosophy that shape the aesthetic choices. This, and the concept of dependant-origination, provides the basic framework for mono no aware.