230. Q. What is so objectionable in this word "soul"?
A. The idea associated with it that man can be an entity separated from all other entities, and from the existence of the whole of the Universe. This idea of separateness is unreasonable, not provable by logic, nor supported by science.
231. Q. Then there is no separate "I," nor can we say "my" this or that?
A. Exactly so.
232. Q. If the idea of a separate human "soul" is to be rejected, what is it in man which gives him the impression of having a permanent personality?
A. Tanhā, or the unsatisfied desire for existence. The being having done that for which he must be rewarded or punished in future, and having Tanhā, will have a rebirth through the influence of Karma.
233. Q. What is it that is born?
A. A new aggregation of Skandhas, or personality[[11]] caused by the last generative thought of the dying person.
234. Q. How many Skandhas are there?
A. Five.