self anattā non-self metaphysics
A portrayal of the Way between the extremes of eternalism and annihilationism, where there is space to accept the ambiguity around the existence of a soul. I don’t need to believe there is nothing after one sees through the illusion of self, or hold a robust metaphysical position about self other than it is a process. In fact, in MN 72, the Buddha advises strongly that holding any position on such things as the existence of a soul causes
suffering, distress, despair, & fever,
and, anyway
does not lead to disenchantment, dispassion, cessation; to calm, direct knowledge, self-awakening, unbinding
The Buddha didn’t make absolute metaphysical claims/statements about the unprofitable questions of MN 72, and I can’t gain certainty about these questions through science or Buddhism - only through experience can I gain direct insight into the metaphysical questions that do actually matter, such as what is the cause of suffering?