The Indian philosophical schools of Charvaka and some branches of Buddhism, often referred to as the Bauddha, are associated with the rejection of the concept of a permanent, eternal self or soul known as "atman." This rejection is encapsulated in the term "nairatmyavada," which translates to the denial of the existence of an enduring self or soul.
Let's delve into the key aspects of these schools of
thought:
Charvaka School (Lokayata):
The Charvaka school, also known as Lokayata, is a
materialistic and atheistic school of Hindu philosophy. It originated in
ancient India and is primarily associated with the denial of metaphysical
concepts such as the existence of a soul.
Charvaka philosophers argue against the existence of atman,
positing that the physical body and sensory experiences are the only reality.
They advocate for a materialistic worldview where only perceptible entities,
like the elements, are considered real.
Bauddha (Buddhist) Philosophy:
Within Buddhism, various schools hold diverse views on
metaphysical concepts, and not all of them subscribe to the idea of atman. The
most notable branch that rejects the notion of a permanent self is often
associated with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha.
In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of anatta, or
"non-self," asserts that there is no enduring, unchanging self or
soul. Instead, individuals are seen as a dynamic interplay of various factors,
including the five aggregates (form, sensation, perception, mental formations,
and consciousness).
Arguments for Nairatmyavada:
Impermanence (Anitya): Both Charvaka and certain Buddhist
schools emphasize the impermanence of all phenomena. Since the self is
considered impermanent, it cannot be an eternal, unchanging entity.
Dependent Origination (Pratityasamutpada): The Buddhist
concept of dependent origination suggests that all phenomena arise in
dependence on other phenomena. There is no independent, permanent self
according to this view.
Empirical Emphasis: The Charvaka school relies heavily on
empirical evidence and sensory perception. Since the self is not directly
perceivable, they reject its existence.
In contrast to the nairatmyavada schools, other
philosophical traditions in India, such as Vedanta, uphold the concept of atman
as a permanent, unchanging reality that transcends the physical body and mind.
These differing perspectives contribute to the rich tapestry of Indian
philosophy.