The Doctrine of Not-Self Mainly Based on Pāli Nikāyas

• Main Authors: Rahul Ratna, 羅候羅
• Other Authors: Yao-Ming Tsai
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/87084457062648569919

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 哲學研究所 === 99 === This study focuses on the doctrine of “not-self” in Pāli Nikāyas. The discussion begins with the important Buddhist teachings, such as five aggregates, three characteristic of the dhamma, the law of causes and conditions and impermanence etc. The doctrine of ‘not-self’ is central teaching in Pāli texts. The meaning of ‘the doctrine of not-self’ in modern academic field has been discussed mostly from metaphysical point of view. Frequent research work on not-self focusing only metaphysical discussions which keeps us away from the real meaning and aim of teaching of not-self. And it also gives notion that whether the Buddha’s teaching is based only on metaphysical research. In this study, I analysis the meaning of not-self and try to assimilate with the Buddhist way of practicing the dhamma. I argue that Pāli Nikāyas are not only compatible to provide philosophical analysis but it also holds profound and well developed teaching of not-self as right view, which finally indicates implication in one’s own life to get rid of suffering. In wider sense, the important Buddhist teaching of not-self leads one to the attainment of nibbāna. Therefore, through continuous practice on the teaching of not-self leads a person to the achievement of a state of freedom in which reality is experienced as immense and thus no constraints or opposites, and a person becomes one with the whole.