Growth of Not-Man in Buddhism

Summary

The article "Growth of Not-Man in Buddhism" explores the evolution of spiritual concepts in Indian thought, particularly the shift from emphasizing the "man-in-man" (the inner spiritual self) to the Buddhist doctrine of "not-self" (anatta). Initially, Indian teachers focused on the "man-in-man" as the ultimate reality, equating the individual self (atman) with the divine. However, the rise of the Sankhya school introduced a new analysis of human consciousness, distinguishing between the physical body, the thinking mind, and the self (purusha). This analytical approach questioned the permanence of the self, suggesting that even the mind, composed of transient mental processes, could not fully encapsulate the eternal self. Over time, the influence of Sankhya led to debates about the nature of the self and its relationship with the imperishable reality (Brahman). Some reform movements prioritized asceticism and monasticism, devaluing worldly life and emphasizing escape from suffering. This shift eventually influenced Buddhist thought, where the concept of "not-self" gained prominence. The article argues that the original teachings of the Buddha, initially called "Sakyan" or "Sakyan," were later distorted by monastic elaborations, which misrepresented the Buddha's emphasis on ethical living and gradual spiritual growth. The author critiques modern scholarship for either accepting monastic interpretations at face value or dismissing the possibility of recovering the Buddha's original, accessible teachings for the laity. The article calls for a re-examination of early Buddhist texts to better understand the evolution of "not-man" as a central doctrine.