Not-self (Pāli: anatta; Sanskrit: anātman) is the third mark of existence. Upon careful examination, one finds that no phenomenon is really "I" or "mine"; these concepts are in fact constructed by the mind. In the Nikayas anatta is not meant as a metaphysical assertion, but as an approach for gaining release from suffering. In fact, the Buddha rejected both of the metaphysical assertions "I have a Self" and "I have no Self" as ontological views that bind one to suffering.[note 9] When asked if the self was identical with the body, the Buddha refused to answer. By analyzing the constantly changing physical and mental constituents (skandhas) of a person or object, the practitioner comes to the conclusion that neither the respective parts nor the person as a whole comprise a self.
Not - self ( Pāli : anatta ; Sanskrit : anātman ) is the third mark of existence . Upon careful examination , one finds that no phenomenon is really " I " or " mine " ; these concepts are in fact constructed by the mind . In the Nikayas anatta is not meant as a metaphysical assertion , but as an approach for gaining release from suffering . In fact , the Buddha rejected both of the metaphysical assertions " I have a Self " and " I have no Self " as ontological views that bind one to suffering.[note 9 ] When asked if the self was identical with the body , the Buddha refused to answer . By analyzing the constantly changing physical and mental constituents ( skandhas ) of a person or object , the practitioner comes to the conclusion that neither the respective parts nor the person as a whole comprise a self .
What was the answer given when the Buddha was asked if the body is the same as the self?
What was the answer given when the Buddha was asked if the body is the same as the self ?
the Buddha refused to answer
the Buddha refused to answer