Buddhism is one of the most unique religions in history in that it characteristically describes existence in terms of process and relation rather than an entity or substance and denys the existence of a self or soul (atman). Through the many concepts of Buddhism, perhaps one of the core ideas is Anatman, which translates to "selflessness" or "no soul". The Buddha felt that all existence is characterized by anatman, anitya (impermanence), and dukkha (suffering). The Buddha taught the doctrine of Anatman because he believed that a "self" resulted in egoism, craving, and consequently in suffering. As Rahula described it, two ideas are psychologically rooted in man: self proctection and self preservation. Man created God for self protection and for self preservation, man conceived the idea of a immortal soul. However in his ignorance, wekaness, fear, and desire, man needs these two things to comfort himself therefore he clings to them obsessively. Buddhism describes the human existence as five "bundles" or aggregates, also known as the Five Shandkas. They are the form (rupa), feelings (vedanaa), perceptions (samjna) , formations (samskara), and consciousness (vijnana). Buddhism rejects the idea that the aggregates individually or in combination is considered a permanent, independently existing self or soul. These five aggregates are always active and a person is only a temporary combination of these aggregates. They are continuously changing thus no one remains the same for any two consecutive moments. The first and last (form and consciousness) of the aggregates are perhaps best thought of as the physical basis of the individual, while the other three (feeling, perception, and formations) are the connections that occur between them. Matter is organized into a physical organism and guided by consciousness. These two combine to form the body and mind. The consciousness provides an awareness of th...