There is not a single atom (parmanu) of my-ness (mamata)…
““There is not a single atom (parmanu) of my-ness (mamata) in this coffee table. There is nothing of the Self (Atma) in it either. But there is someone’s ‘my-ness’ (mamata-bhaav) in it (for the table). Therefore, if you burn this coffee table, you become liable for the wrongdoing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The table has no intrinsic self; any perceived ownership is a mental construct, so harming it creates moral liability.
In simple terms: Objects lack true self; harming them is ethically wrong.
Key Takeaway
Respect objects as extensions of others' relationships.
Themes
ethics
mindfulness
ownership
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- home
- environmental stewardship
- personal conduct
- legal liability
Key Concepts
non-self
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “my-ness” mean to you?
- How do you assign responsibility to in objects?
A Different Perspective
If you view the table as merely material, the moral claim weakens.