ปรัชญาพุทธเถรวาท

The current study is dedicated to a critical investigation of the concept of Anatta in Theravada Buddhism and its behavioral implications. The research is solely based on the analysis of secondary data. In addition to examining the text of Sutta Pitaka to determine the nature and the main pillars of Anatta, it also examines academic studies dedicated to the interpretation of Anatta and its application in psychotherapy and behavioral interventions. It was found that Anatta is one of the most important notions in Theravada Buddhism and one of the three marks of existence. The embracement of Anatta implies breaking a link between people and the five aggregates, including forms, feelings, perceptions, fabrications, and consciousness. Theravada Buddhism uses Anatta to deny the existence of the twelve variations of the self as well as the cosmic self. At the same time, it should be noted that the existence of the self is not explicitly denied in Sutta Pitaka. The study shows that many scholars point at promising prospects of integrating Anatta into Western psychotherapeutic practices. In addition to better understanding Buddhist patients, Anatta could also help develop mindfulness, implement effective stress coping techniques, encourage socially responsible behaviors, improve empathy, and better reflect on one’s actions. The study concludes that Anatta is not only an important theoretical concept but also a valuable practical tool that could be effectively utilized in various settings to prevent suffering, cope with stress, and improve psychological well-being. Findings of the research could be considered valuable both from the theoretical and from the practical perspectives.