Atta: [Vedic ¤tman, not to Gr. a)\nemos = Lat. animus, but to Gr. a)tmo/s steam, Ohg. ¤tum breath, Ags. aepm]. 1. The soul as postulated in the animistic theories held in N India in the 6th and 7th cent. B. C. It is described in the Upanishads as a small creature, in shape like a man, dwelling in ordinary times in the heart. It escapes from the body in sleep or trance; when it returns to the body life and motion reappear. It escapes from the body at death, then continues to carry on an everlasting life of its own. For numerous other details see Rh. D. Theory of Soul in the Upanishads J R A S 1899. Bt. India 251-255. Buddhism repudiated all such theories, thus differing from other religions. Sixteen such theories about the soul D I.31. Seven other theories D I.34. Three others D I.186/7. A "soul" according to general belief was something permanent, unchangeable, not affected by sorrow S IV.54.... See also M I.233; III.265, 271; S II.17, 109; III.135; A I.284; II.164, 171; V.188; S IV.400... 2. Oneself, himself, yourself... anatt¤ not a soul, without a soul. Most freq. in combn. with dukkha and anicca...