Public Dharma glossary

Anattā

Pronunciation: uh-NUT-taa

Canonical definition: A characteristic used to examine the aggregates as impermanent, stressful when clung to, and unsuitable to regard as self.

Morphological structure

an- (not, without) + attā (self): not-self or without self.

Canonical usage

A characteristic used to examine the aggregates as impermanent, stressful when clung to, and unsuitable to regard as self.

Common misunderstanding

It is not a simplistic assertion that conventional persons do not exist.

Practical significance

Non-identification loosens defensiveness and rigid self-stories.

Source anchor

SN 22.59

Continue with established sources

Further reading

Open complete translations and specialist reference material for deeper study.