The Meaning of Life: A Perspective from Buddhist Philosophy and the Agganna Sutta

What is the meaning of life? This timeless question has captivated humanity for millennia, inspiring diverse interpretations across cultures, religions, and philosophies. Buddhist philosophy, particularly as articulated in the Agganna Sutta, offers a profound perspective: life is a cyclical process, governed by tanha (attachment) to the physical and material world. This craving perpetuates an eternal loop of birth, death, and rebirth. Liberation from this cycle is achieved through detachment, culminating in spiritual freedom. In this Perspective, we explore the concept of life as a circular journey, the implications of attachment, and the transformative power of detachment in attaining liberation (nirvana).