Understanding Buddhist Scripture and the Anatta Doctrine

The question asks us to identify a Buddhist scripture that clearly states the principle "All dhammas are without self." This statement is fundamental to the Buddhist doctrine of Anatta. Anatta, a key concept in Buddhism, translates to "no-self" or "non-self." It asserts that there isn't a permanent, unchanging, or independent entity that constitutes a "self" in any person or phenomenon. Understanding this doctrine is vital in Buddhist philosophy.

The Core Teaching of Anatta

The doctrine of Anatta teaches that the idea of a fixed, permanent self is an illusion. Believing in such a self leads to attachment, craving, and ultimately, suffering (Dukkha). By realizing that all dhammas (which refers to phenomena, mental objects, or constituents of reality) lack an inherent, unchanging self, practitioners can work towards detachment and liberation. The phrase "All dhammas are without self" captures this essential teaching directly.

Analyzing the Scripture Options

We need to evaluate the provided options to see which one contains this specific assertion:

• Dhammapada: This text is a cornerstone of Buddhist literature, specifically within the Theravada tradition. It comprises verses attributed to the Buddha, covering a wide range of Buddhist teachings. The Dhammapada frequently explores the nature of reality, emphasizing impermanence (Anicca), suffering (Dukkha), and no-self (Anatta). The principle that all phenomena are devoid of a self is a recurring theme, making it a likely source for the statement "All dhammas are without self."
• Kalpa Sutra: This is a significant scripture belonging to Jainism. Its content focuses on Jain cosmology, history, and monastic rules. It does not contain Buddhist doctrines like Anatta.
• Bhagavati Sutra: This is another important text within the Jain canon. While Buddhist scriptures can sometimes share names, the prominent Bhagavati Sutra is associated with Jain teachings, particularly the discourses of Lord Mahavira. It's not a source for the specific Buddhist doctrine of Anatta as described.
• Uttaradhyayana: Considered the final Jain scripture, it contains profound teachings on Jain ethics and philosophy. It is a Jain text and therefore does not expound the Buddhist doctrine of Anatta.

Identifying the Correct Scripture

Comparing the options, the Dhammapada stands out as the Buddhist scripture that most explicitly teaches the concept of Anatta, including the specific idea that "All dhammas are without self." The other listed scriptures belong to Jainism and present different philosophical and religious viewpoints.