To understand the Anatta doctrine, one must understand that the eternal soul theory—"I have a soul"—and the material theory—"I have no soul"—are both obstacles to self-realization.
Both arise from the misconception "I am."
We must not cling to any opinion or view on soul-theory. Rather, we must try to see things objectively as they are and without any mental projections. We must learn to see the so-called "I" or Soul or Self for what it really is: a combination of changing forms.
The Buddha taught what we conceive as eternal within us is merely a combination of physical and mental phenomena: matter (or body), sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness.
These phenomena are working together in a flux of momentary change; they are never the same for two consecutive moments.
When the Buddha analyzed the psycho-physical life, he found only these five phenomena. He did not find an eternal soul.
However, many people have the misconception that consciousness and soul are the same thing. The Buddha said consciousness depends on matter, sensation, perception, and mental formations and it cannot exist independently of them.
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