The correct option is There is nothing permanent or eternal in the world.
Explanation
The concept of Ana (Pali) or Anatman (Sanskrit) is one of the fundamental doctrines of Buddhism, forming part of the Three Marks of Existence (Tilakkhana), alongside Anicca (impermanence) and Dukkha (suffering).
Detailed Analysis:
- Rejection of Eternal Soul: The doctrine of Anatta explicitly denies the existence of a permanent, unchanging self, soul, or essence (Atman) in living beings. This stands in contrast to the Vedic or Upanishadic belief in an eternal soul.
- Impermanence and Non-Self: Buddhism posits that existence is a combination of five changing aggregates (Skandhas)-form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. Since these aggregates are transient and constantly changing (Anicca), there is no permanent entity that can be identified as the "self."
- Implication: Consequently, the concept implies that there is no permanent or eternal substance in the empirical world, neither in the individual (soul) nor in the universe.
Key Takeaway:
Ana refers to the doctrine of "Non-Self" or "Substancelessness," asserting that because all things are impermanent, there is no eternal soul or self.