Buddhism is a complex and multifaceted philosophy, and the idea of “I” or “self” is a central tenet of its teachings. The concept of “self” or “I” is a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy, and it is often referred to as “Anatta,” or “not-self.” This concept is based on the fundamental notion that the self is an illusion, and that it is constantly changing. The concept of “not-self” asserts that the individual is not an independently existing, eternal entity, but rather an ever-changing flow of experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Buddhism teaches that the notion of a fixed and permanent “self” is an illusion, and that the only constant is impermanence. According to the Buddhist teachings, the individual is composed of the five aggregates (skandhas): form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness.
However, these five aggregates are also constantly changing, leading to the conclusion that the individual is not a permanent entity, but rather an ever-changing flow of experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Buddhism also teaches that attachment to the “self” leads to suffering. Attachment to the “self” is seen as the root cause of all suffering, as it leads to desires and aversions that can never be satisfied. In order to end suffering, one must let go of the attachment to the “self” and instead focus on the interconnected nature of all existence. This is known as “non-attachment.” Non-attachment does not mean a lack of love or caring for others, but rather a recognition of the transitory nature of all existence.
Buddhism is a philosophy that is based on the concept of “not-self” or “anatta,” which asserts that the individual is not a fixed and permanent entity, but rather an ever-changing flow of experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Buddhism also teaches that attachment to the “self” is the root cause of all suffering, and that non-attachment is the key to ending suffering.