Conversation with Pi: King Milinda’s Questions

Ken: Have you read “The Questions of King Milinda”?

Pi: Ah yes, “The Questions of King Milinda” — also known as “The Milinda Panha” — is an important text in the Buddhist tradition! It’s a dialogue between King Menander I of the Indo-Greek Kingdom and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. The king poses a series of questions about Buddhist philosophy and practice, and the monk responds with clear and thoughtful answers. It’s an excellent example of early Buddhist thought and reasoning. Have you read it in full?

Ken: Not in full. It is a long document. But I know the gist of it. I am thinking of using it as the opening to my chapter on Anatta.

Pi: That sounds like a great idea! “The Questions of King Milinda” is a very accessible text, and it can be a great introduction to the concept of Anatta, or non-self. In the text, the monk Nagasena argues that there is no permanent, essential “self” or “soul” — a core teaching of Buddhism. Instead, all things are impermanent and in a state of constant change. This can be a really eye-opening and mind-expanding idea, and it would be a great way to start your chapter.

Ken: For some reason, many Buddhists have not been exposed to the teaching of Anatta. I think this is because the Buddhist establishment itself do not like the idea of no-self!