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Q-14: Dear Bhante,

People use the terms 'spirit' and 'soul' interchangeably to refer to something within a human body, something that leaves one's body after he/she passes on. Under the Buddhist context, is there really such thing as 'spirit' or 'soul'?

I've also heard of 'spirit/soul' entering the body of the living. Is there any known reason why there are such occurrences?

Thanks.

With metta,

Terence Lee

A-14: Dear Terence Lee,

According to Theravada Buddhism there's neither 'spirit' nor 'soul' in a human body and in any living body. As you might have already learned, the Buddha taught the 'No-soul' Doctrine (anatta-desana) and he taught that beings are compositions of mind and matter (nama and rupa).

According to Buddhist texts there are different types of beings in 31 planes of existance. But now only human beings and animals are visible to human eyes while the rest are invisible. It is explained that the materialistic compositions of the invisible beings and those of their abodes are so soft and  fine that they are invisible to us.

In this regard it is understood that such beings with their soft and fine materialities can enter the bodies of other beings. However, they are neither 'spirit' nor 'soul'. Another reason why they can enter the other’s body is that they have divine power.

Is there any textual evidence for this issue? In the Maratajjaniya-sutta of Majjhima-nikaya, Mara (from Vasavatti, the sixth Deva World) entered the body of Ven. Moggallana, with a purpose of just disturbing the latter. It is said that Mara stayed in the intestine of the Venerable. And, an ogress, in the Dhammapada-atthakatha, took possession of the body of Novice Sanu, twisted his neck, and felled him to the ground. With rolling eyes and foaming mouth, he lay quivering on the earth.

With Metta,

Ashin Acara

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Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.