PHILOSOPHICAL DIMENSIONS OF THE ANATMA BUDDHIST DOCTRINE

Authors

  • Giuseppe Ferraro

Abstract

The paper singles out and briefly presents the three basic philosophical aspects that can be identified in Buddhist doctrine of ‘no-self’ (anātmavāda). This is, first of all, a description of reality in itself which counters the ‘ordinary’ description of phenomenal reality. Secondly, in the same doctrine is evident an epistemological aspect, regarding two knowledge levels, respectively referring to the two ways reality could be seen: ‘conventionally’, as a plurality of subjective and objective beings, endowed with ontological independence; or ‘utmostly’, as an empty or selfless universe. Finally, anātmavādadescribes some psychological states; our ‘ordinary’ or ‘utmost’ cognitive relation with reality influences our mental condition: to believe in the self carries suffering; to see the reality of no-self means, on the contrary (in a way which turns out to be soteriological), cessation of suffering.

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Published

2016-12-22

How to Cite

FERRARO, Giuseppe. PHILOSOPHICAL DIMENSIONS OF THE ANATMA BUDDHIST DOCTRINE. Religare, [S. l.], v. 8, n. 1, 2016. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufpb.br/index.php/religare/article/view/10943. Acesso em: 27 jun. 2026.

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