Day 65: Understanding Anatta Saññā through the Girimānanda Sutta (AN 10.60) – Study Notes from BMV Monday Sutta Study with Bhante Dr. G. Chandima

Why Anatta Saññā?

Anatta Saññā, or "the perception of not-self," is the second step toward healing in the Girimānanda Sutta. The term "anatta" is often translated as "non-self" or "no-self," but these translations can be limiting and misleading. What the Buddha means by anatta is that while there is no unchanging self, a self does exist in a certain context—it is always changing. This self should not be viewed as fixed or unchanging. Instead, it exists with certain conditions that are constantly in flux. 

The self exists within a changing context, but it is not permanent or unchanging.

The Buddha extensively discusses the ever-changing nature of the self in the Dhammapada. I encourage you to explore the chapter on "Self" in the Dhammapada for a deeper understanding of this concept.

How can the concept of Anatta (not-self) be better understood in daily life?

To understand anatta, we need to recognize how the self exists and how it can change. We should avoid clinging to the idea of an unchanging self, especially in personal, social, or global contexts. In the Girimānanda Sutta, the Buddha explains how we can practice this understanding.

Anatta Saññā can be practiced by realizing that our six senses and their objects are not the self, even though we may temporarily perceive them as such. However, we should also recognize that the self is always changing. The benefit of understanding anatta is that we stop clinging to the idea of an unchanging self, allowing us to experience life more freely without forming rigid identities.

Happiness through Understanding Anatta in Daily Life (A Few Benefits to Inspire You)

1. Increased Tolerance and Patience: Understanding Anatta helps you become more patient with yourself and others, allowing you to navigate daily challenges with greater ease and acceptance.

2. Less Complaining, More Appreciation: As you internalize the concept of anatta (not-self), you’ll find yourself complaining less and embracing a deeper understanding of life and people, fostering greater appreciation for everything around you.

3. Enhanced Gratitude and Compassion: By realizing the fluid nature of the self, you naturally develop a deeper sense of gratitude and compassion for both yourself and others.

4. Letting Go of Negativity: With an understanding of Anatta, negative experiences lose their grip on you more easily. You develop a shorter memory for past grievances and are able to move on with a lighter heart.

5. A Shift in Generosity: Anatta is a key to understanding other Buddhist principles. When practicing generosity, you will no longer do so for the sake of a fixed self or future rewards but will engage in acts of kindness with a spirit of wholesome intention (kusala), rather than seeking personal gain.

More suttas (beyond just a few) on Anatta provide a deeper explanation of the concept, offering further insights into its nature

Anattalakkhana Sutta (SN 22.59) - The Discourse on the Characteristics of Non-Self

• This sutta directly addresses the nature of Anatta and explains that the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, volition, and consciousness) are not self. The Buddha teaches that these aggregates are changing and not worthy of clinging.

Kaccayanagotta Sutta (SN 12.15) - The Discourse to Kaccayana

• In this sutta, the Buddha teaches Kaccayana about the middle way, pointing out the error of both eternalism and nihilism. He explains that the self does not exist as an unchanging entity and that a deeper understanding of this is key to seeing the true nature of reality.

Maha-Satipatthana Sutta (DN 22) - The Great Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness

• While not focused solely on Anatta, this sutta teaches awareness of the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects. Through understanding the changes and not-self nature of these phenomena, one can directly experience Anatta.

Brahmajāla Sutta (DN 1) - The Discourse on the Net of Views

• This sutta outlines various philosophical views about the self and discusses the dangers of attachment to an unchanging self. The Buddha critiques the idea of a fixed, unchanging self and points out how this belief leads to confusion and pain.