Is the Buddhist teaching of Anatta Dismissing the Subject?

Yesterday, I shared a reflection on the Buddhist concept of Samsara, which encompasses the cycles of birth, death, and suffering driven by karma. I noted that the illusion lies in the belief in a fixed ‘self’ navigating these cycles, suggesting that clinging to this false identity is the root of suffering. True liberation begins when we relinquish our attachment to the ego.

A reader responded, questioning how the illusion of self could coexist with fundamental Buddhist teachings. They argued that if the self is an illusion, then the Four Noble Truths are also mere fictions, noble only because an Arya (noble being) experiences suffering and seeks liberation.

This discourse raises vital points about the Buddhist teaching of no-self (Anatta). It is crucial to clarify that this teaching is not a dismissal of existence but rather a profound recognition of the true nature of reality.

The Two Truths in Buddhism

Buddhism differentiates between two levels of truth: conventional truth and ultimate truth. Conventional truth acknowledges the reality we experience daily. For example, consider a ball game: while the rules are arbitrary, they guide our participation. Similarly, concepts like rebirth and the Four Noble Truths are conventional truths that help navigate…