no-self
|no-self|
🇺🇸
/ˌnoʊˈsɛlf/
🇬🇧
/ˌnəʊˈsɛlf/
absence of a permanent self
Etymology
'no-self' originates from Modern English, specifically the words 'no' + 'self', where 'no' meant 'not' and 'self' meant 'one's own person'.
'no' derives from Old English 'nō'/'nē', and 'self' derives from Old English 'self' meaning 'one's own person'; the compound 'no-self' developed in Modern English, particularly in translations and discussions of Buddhist terms like Pali 'anatta' (no soul).
Initially formed simply as the negation 'no' + 'self' (i.e. 'not-self'), it came to be used specifically in religious and philosophical contexts to denote the doctrine or experience of absence of a permanent self.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the Buddhist doctrine that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul (equivalent to Pali 'anatta' or Sanskrit 'anatman').
In the lecture, she explained no-self as a central teaching of early Buddhism.
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Noun 2
a psychological or ethical state characterized by lack of ego-centeredness or identification with a fixed personal identity; selflessness.
Practices like mindfulness can cultivate a sense of no-self, reducing attachment and suffering.
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Adjective 1
describing a quality or practice that emphasizes the absence of a fixed self or promotes selflessness.
He described a no-self approach to leadership that prioritized listening over asserting personal authority.
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Last updated: 2025/08/22 08:06