SELF ACCORDING TO BUDDHUISM AND HINDUISM According to Buddhism, the concept of self is considered to be an illusion or a misconception. Buddhists believe in the doctrine of Anatta, which suggests that there is no permanent, unchanging or independent self or soul. They see the self as a product of various interconnected causes and conditions, constantly changing and evolving. The idea is that our sense of self arises from attachment and clinging to impermanent things, causing suffering. By recognizing and letting go of this illusion, Buddhist aim to achieve enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. In Hinduism, the concept of self, or Atman, is seen as eternal, unchanging, and divine. Hindu philosophy suggests that every individual has an inner self that is connected to the universal consciousness, Brahman. The journey of self-realization in Hinduism involves understanding the true nature of the self and recognizing the unity with the divine. Unlike Buddhism, Hinduism believes in reincarnation and the continuation of the self beyond a single lifetime. The concept of self, or “Atman” in Hinduism and “Anatta” in Buddhism, reflects distinctive perspectives on personal identity, existence, and the nature of reality. Hinduism: Atman and Brahman: In Hinduism, the self is often referred to as “Atman.” According to Advaita Vedanta, a major philosophical school within Hinduism, Atman is considered eternal, unchanging, and identical to the ultimate reality known as “Brahman.” Brahman is the cosmic, unchanging, and all- encompassing principle that underlies and unites the diversity of the universe. The realization of the identity between Atman and Brahman is a central goal in Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the transcendental nature of the self and its connection to the divine. In contrast, other schools of Hindu thought, such as Dvaita Vedanta, propose a dualistic perspective where the individual Atman is distinct from Brahman. While acknowledging a connection between the individual self and the ultimate reality, Dvaita Vedanta maintains a separation, emphasizing devotion to a personal deity. Buddhism: Anatta and Impermanence: Buddhism, particularly in the Theravada tradition, rejects the notion of a permanent and unchanging self. The concept of “Anatta”(non-self) posits that there is no enduring essence or soul(Atman) within an individual. Instead, Buddhists assert that what we conventionally identify as the self is a collection of impermanent and interdependent elements. According to the Buddhist perspective, the self is an ever-changing aggregation of five skandhas or aggregates: form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. These aggregates constantly arise and cease, devoid of a permanent core. The recognition of Anatta is pivotal in Buddhism’s understanding of suffering and the path to liberation. By realizing the absence of a fixed self, individuals can overcome attachment and craving, leading to the cessation of suffering (Nirvana). Comparison: In essence, Hinduism tends to uphold the idea of a transcendent, unchanging self (Atman) that is ultimately identical to the cosmic reality (Brahman). This perspective aligns with a more eternalist view of personal identity. On the contrary, Buddhism challenges the notion of a permanent self and emphasizes the impermanence and interdependence of all phenomena. The absence of a fixed self is crucial for breaking free from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) and attaining enlightenment. While both traditions acknowledge the importance of understanding the nature of the self for spiritual progress, they diverge in their conceptualization of whether the self is eternal and unchanging (Hinduism) or impermanent and devoid of a permanent essence (Buddhism). These philosophical distinctions have profound implications for their respective paths to spiritual realization and liberation.