Three marks of existence
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. In Buddhism, the three marks of existence are three characteristics (Pali: tilakkhaṇa; Sanskrit: trilakṣaṇa) shared by all sentient beings, namely impermanence (anicca), dissatisfaction or suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anattā). These three characteristics are mentioned in verses 277, 278 and 279 of the Dhammapada.
Contents
Description
The three marks are:[1]
- sabbe saṅkhārā aniccā — "all saṅkhāras (conditioned things) are impermanent"
- sabbe saṅkhārā dukkhā — "all saṅkhāras are unsatisfactory"
- sabbe dhammā anattā — "all dhammas (conditioned or unconditioned things) are not self"
Explanation
Anicca
<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>
Anicca (Sanskrit anitya) means "inconstancy" or "impermanence". All conditioned things (saṅkhāra) are in a constant state of flux. The appearance of a thing ceases as it changes from one form to another. When a leaf falls to the ground and decomposes its relative existence and appearance transform, and its components go into a different form, perhaps a new plant. Regarding permanence, Buddhism teaches the middle way, avoiding the extreme views of eternalism and nihilism.[2]
Dukkha
<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>
Dukkha (Sanskrit duhkha) means dissatisfaction, "dis-ease", "suffering", "stress". As all things are impermanent, nothing in the physical world or the mind can bring lasting satisfaction. Dukkha is thus the dissatisfaction, suffering or stress experienced by all sentient beings that are not fully enlightened, not free from saṃsāra.[3]
Anatta
<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>
Anatta (Sanskrit anatman) means "not self". While anicca and dukkha apply to "all conditioned phenomena" (saṅkhārā), anattā has a wider scope because it applies to "all phenomena" (dhammā) without qualification.[4][5]
Application
Insight into the three marks of existence can bring an end to suffering (dukkha nirodha or nirodha sacca, the third of the Four Noble Truths). The Buddha taught that all beings conditioned by causes (saṅkhāra) are impermanent (anicca) and suffering (dukkha), and that not-self (anattā) characterises all dhammas, meaning there is no "I" "me" or "mine" in either the conditioned or the unconditioned (i.e. nibbāna).[6][7] The central figure of Buddhism, Siddhārtha Gautama (Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) is believed to have achieved Nirvana (Pali: nibbāna) and awakening after much meditation (bhāvanā), thus becoming the Buddha Shakyamuni. With the faculty of wisdom (paññā) the Buddha directly perceived that all conditioned phenomena are marked by these three characteristics.[8]
See also
References
Citations
- ↑ Walsh 1995, p. 30.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ See the Pali: sabbe saṅkhārā aniccā, sabbe saṅkhārā dukkha, sabbe dhammā anattā
- ↑ SN 22.90, AN 3.136 [AN 3.134], Dhp 20. 277-279
- ↑ Nārada, The Dhammapada (1978), pp. 224.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Dhammapada Verses 277, 278 and 279 - primary source, but a source - cf. any commentary..
Sources
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
