Anatman

Nagasena, an elder monk, was discussing the idea of the "Self" with King Milinda. Milinda asked whether the Self is permanent or impermanent and Nagasena replied with a question of his own: "Is the mango tree in your garden sweet or sour?" Milinda replies that he does not have a mango tree in his garden, so how can he possibly answer the question. "Exactly," replies Nagasena.


This is based on an excerpt from the book "The Experience of Buddhism" by John S. Strong.