What the Buddha Taught

Anatta is the doctrine of no-soul. This doctrine is highly important in Buddhism as Buddha maintained that the concept of individuals having souls or selves prompted selfish desire. Rahula emphasizes that Anatta is one of the key insights that sets Buddhism apart from many other major religions, which tend to affirm the existence of a permanent, unchanging self. By denying the soul, the Buddha sought to help people let go of ego-driven clinging, which he viewed as a root of suffering.

Ātman means “soul” in Sanskrit. Rahula uses this term in his explanation of Buddhist doctrine, which teaches that people do not have souls. He contrasts the Hindu concept of Ātman with the Buddhist teaching of Anatta to highlight how Buddhism radically reframes ideas of personal identity and liberation.

Arahant means a “fully enlightened one,” or a person who has realized complete enlightenment (30). The Buddha was the first Arahant. Rahula uses this Pali word many times in his work, as it does not have a simple English translation. Unlike a Buddha, an Arahant typically achieves enlightenment through the teachings of another rather than independently. Rahula discusses the Arahant as a model of what dedicated spiritual practice can achieve, even after the Buddha’s lifetime.