Pratītyasamutpāda and Anatta: Why the Self is an Illusion

Introduction: Do You Really Exist?

Most people believe they have a fixed, independent self. But Buddhism challenges this idea.

Through Pratītyasamutpāda (Dependent Origination), we see that:
✅ The “self” is not a permanent entity—it is an ever-changing process.
✅ Our thoughts, emotions, and identity arise due to conditions.
✅ Letting go of attachment to self brings deep peace.

The Relationship Between Pratītyasamutpāda and Anatta (No-Self, 無我)

🔹 The “self” is not a solid thing—it is a collection of five ever-changing aggregates (skandhas).
🔹 Everything we call “me” is actually a dependent process.

The Five Aggregates That Create the Illusion of Self

1️⃣ Form (Rūpa, 色): The physical body and senses.
2️⃣ Sensation (Vedanā, 受): Feelings—pleasant, unpleasant, neutral.
3️⃣ Perception (Saṅñā, 想): Recognition of experiences.
4️⃣ Mental Formations (Saṅkhāra, 行): Thoughts, habits, emotions.
5️⃣ Consciousness (Viññāṇa, 識): Awareness of experience.

💡 Key Insight: Since these elements are always changing, there is no permanent self.

📌 Example:

• The “you” from 10 years ago is not the same “you” today.
• Your emotions, beliefs, and identity constantly shift based on conditions.

🌿 Seeing through the illusion of self allows us to let go of ego-based suffering.