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The 3 Marks of Existence

The 3 Marks of Existence. The 3 Marks of Existence outline the basic Buddhist World View. Everything is conditioned, impermanent, interdependent and causes suffering. The key to Buddhists is to realize what the world is really like and dismiss our false ideas and ignorance about it.

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The 3 Marks of Existence

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  1. The 3 Marks of Existence The 3 Marks of Existence outline the basic Buddhist World View. Everything is conditioned, impermanent, interdependent and causes suffering. The key to Buddhists is to realize what the world is really like and dismiss our false ideas and ignorance about it. What is the human condition?.

  2. The 3 Marks of Existence The 3 Marks of Existence are: Dukkha – suffering Anicca – impermanence Anatta – no soul / self What is the human condition?

  3. Dukkha According to Buddhists life is full of suffering… it is part of the ‘system’. There are three main types of suffering universal to the human condition: • Ordinary suffering • Suffering because of change • Suffering due to conditioned existence What is the human condition?

  4. Dukkha - ordinary Physical and mental suffering e.g. illness and depression Also suffering due to others’ suffering e.g. images of starvation / famine / war Even happiness can ultimately lead to sadness when it ends. What is the human condition?

  5. Dukkha - change We get attached to things, our environment, ourselves, others etc. As a result of Anicca (impermanence) all things are subject to change, even us Often these changes are out of our control What is the human condition?

  6. Dukkha – Conditioned Existence Feeling of dissatisfaction in the background of our life: insecurity, frustration, pointlessness, powerlessness in the world we live in. Buddhists argue that we suffer because we lack any kind of significant control over our life and the world we live in (due to craving or Tanha). What is the human condition?

  7. Dukkha This is not meant to be negative but rather realistic. According to Buddhists we are trapped in a cycle of suffering and the first step to freedom is acknowledgement of this. What is the human condition?

  8. Kisa Gotami and the Mustard Seed What is the human condition? Unenlightened human beings are caught in a cycle of suffering but there is a way out.

  9. Anicca Impermanence:all things are subject to change, no exceptions. In practice most people believe that things do last and remain permanent but they do not e.g. weather, geography, ageing, pen / pencil, chair, bike, flame, cherry tree. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gXObuLsQcw&feature=related What is the human condition?

  10. Anicca Nothing is ultimately real because everything is in a constant state of change. Anicca = constant change. This is shunyata or ultimate emptiness. What is the human condition?

  11. Anatta As a result of anicca we experience dukkha. All things are affected by anicca. Therefore there is no such thing as permanence in a Buddhist worldview. What is the human condition?

  12. Anatta ‘Bike’ is just a concept we use to describe a collection of things. If some parts are missing, it is not ‘bike’. Also, often people disagree about what really makes up ‘bike’… there is no clear definition after scrutiny, even though we all use and accept the term quite happily. Not only this, all parts of ‘bike’ are in a state of change (due to anicca)… rusting, wearing etc. What is the human condition?

  13. Anatta If all things are impermanent, we too must be impermanent. If all things are just a concept, we too are just a concept. What is the human condition?

  14. Anatta In the same way as there is no ‘bike’, there is no such thing as a permanent self or soul. There is no about ‘you’ or ‘I’ which remains constant or the same. Permanent self is anillusion. What is the human condition?

  15. The Human Condition as described by the Buddha • Behold this painted body, a body full of wounds, put together, diseased, and full of many thoughts in which there is neither permanence nor stability. This body is worn out, a nest of diseases and very frail. This heap of corruption breaks in pieces, life indeed ends in death. What delight is there for him who sees these white bones like gourds cast away in the autumn? Of the bones a citadel is made, plastered over with flesh and blood, and in it dwell old age and death, pride and deceit. (Dhammapada 147-150)

  16. The 3 Marks of Existence • 3 States that mark our existence • The Buddha taught these are the true reality of life. • Only when this is understood can humans progress to enlightenment.

  17. The 3 M E’sDukkha • Suffering (many forms) • Dukkha = life is unsatisfactory • Suffering is caused by craving, clinging, attachment and delusion • Caused by not accepting Anicca and Anatta.

  18. The 3 M E’sAnicca • Impermanence • Nothing lasts forever, everything changes • Accepting Anicca = less craving  less suffering • Not Accepting illusion of permanence and  craving, attachment + suffering

  19. The 3 M E’sAnatta • No soul / self / essence • Because of Anicca there is no you, no soul, or permanent you. • Attachment to self = negative states of mind • Give up the pre-occupation with “me” in order to be enlightened.

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