No Inner Core: An Introduction to the Doctrine of Anatta - BuddhaNet

the perception that things are compact and solid. We
look at things and at ourselves as solid, compact things.
Until we can break through the false perception that
we are compact, we will not see the no-soul nature of
things.
That is why there are meditational practices in
which the four elements, earth, water, fire, and air are
contemplated. Actually, the primary qualities of those
elements are contemplated: earth is characterized by
hardness or softness, water by fluidity or cohesion, fire
by heat, and air by extending or supporting. If we can
have the insight into phenomena as being composed
of elements and their characteristics, then the idea of
compactness will be weakened. We think that we are
substantial, but if we have insight into our real nature,
the nature of being composed of nàma and råpa, or
more precisely, of elements and forces mutually dependent
and interacting with each other, then the idea
of a coherent, abiding, substantial self is weakened,
and nothing we can call a self is found.” 56
The anattà doctrine is of primary importance to
a Buddhist. In fact, anattà can only be understood
when there is a Buddha or a Buddha’s teaching in the
world. No one but a Buddha can penetrate into the
anattà nature of things because only through Vipassanà
meditation, discovered by Buddha, can insight into
anattà be realized. Even though great and profound
thinkers are around, they still cannot penetrate into
anattà, and other kinds of meditation, such as Samatha
(Tranquility), may give you psychic powers or higher
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