THE CONCEPT OF NON-SELF IN THERAVADA BUDDHISM AND ITS RELATION TO HUMAN BEHAVIOR

Authors

  • Obhasa
  • Mohammad Manzoor Malik

Keywords:

Anatta, Non-Self; Behavior; Buddhism; Psychotherapy

Abstract

Anatta or non-self is one of the most important concepts in
Theravada Buddhism. Anatta’s main objective is to show
that none of the five forms of self exists, and also none of
the five aggregates be linked to the self. This realization
concerning Anatta is devised to have a positive effect on
how a follower of Buddhism experiences the world and
alleviates suffering. This paper extends the concept of
Anatta to contemporary society to understand how it can
contribute to the improvement of human behavior and
psychotherapy. This includes the fostering of mindfulness
to develop empathy and create a therapeutic nexus between
the patient and the therapist. It also provides techniques for
coping with stress, and can act as a foundational basis for
ethical and behavior and mollify the relentless pursuit of
one’s desires. Furthermore, it offers insights into Western
psychology constructs and how to correct its weaknesses
which are often focused too closely on the idea of the self.

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Published

2023-01-06