The Three Characteristics of Existence. The Buddha discovered that all beings possess the Three Characteristics of Existence : Anicca – Impermanence Dukkha

The Three Characteristics of Existence


The Buddha discovered that all beings possess the Three Characteristics of Existence :

Anicca – Impermanence

Dukkha – Unsatisfactoriness / Suffering

Anatta – Insubstantiality / Non-self























All things are impermanent, and everything is in the process of changing into something else.

For example, we are all in the process of aging. Even the stars and galaxies are in the process of change.











Because all things are impermanent, existence is subject to dukkha.

There will always be the craving for the pleasant, and the aversion to the unpleasant, resulting from the ever-changing nature of existence.











There is no permanent or unchanging self.

The 'self' which we are conditioned to believe exists, is comprised of nothing more than different mental and physical constituents, which are in a state of constant change because of Cause and Effect.











‘Atta’ or ‘atman’ means ‘self’ or ‘permanent soul’. Therefore ‘anatta’ means ‘non-self’ or ‘non-permanent soul’.

We are composed of mind (nama) and body (rupa), which can be broken down into separate elements called the Five Aggregates which are constantly changing.



‘Atta’ or ‘atman’ means ‘self’ or ‘permanent soul’. Therefore ‘anatta’ means ‘non-self’ or ‘non-permanent soul’.

We are composed of mind (nama) and body (rupa), which can be broken down into separate elements called the Five Aggregates which are constantly changing.



The Five Aggregates :

1. Matter – Rupa

2. Consciousness – Vinnana

3. Feelings – Vedana

4. Mental formations – Sankhara

5. Perception – Sanna




1. Matter – Rupa








1. Matter – Rupa








1. Matter – Rupa








1. Matter – Rupa








1. Matter – Rupa







Conventional and ultimate reality :

• In conventional reality, we are distinct and identifiable entities.

• In ultimate reality, we are no more than concepts or fabrications.














For example, conventionally we exist as an individual with a name.

But ultimately, we are composed of different physical parts which make up our body, and the various aspects of our mind such as our feelings and memories.




For example, conventionally we exist as an individual with a name.

But ultimately, we are composed of different physical parts which make up our body, and the various aspects of our mind such as our feelings and memories.




However, our body and mind are in a state of constant change. Millions of cells in our body die and are replaced every second.

We have different feelings all the time and we acquire new memories and lose old ones.




However, our body and mind are in a state of constant change. Millions of cells in our body die and are replaced every second.

We have different feelings all the time and we acquire new memories and lose old ones.




The person that came into this class is different from the person sitting here now, and the person leaving this class will be a different person again.

Ultimately therefore, we do not have any permanent substance as we are changing all the time.




The person that came into this class is different from the person sitting here now, and the person leaving this class will be a different person again.

Ultimately therefore, we do not have any permanent substance as we are changing all the time.




The self that we are conditioned to see as real and permanent, is thus simply only a concept or fabrication.

However, in order to function in conventional reality, we will still need to see ourselves as enduring and distinct entities.




The self that we are conditioned to see as real and permanent, is thus simply only a concept or fabrication.

However, in order to function in conventional reality, we will still need to see ourselves as enduring and distinct entities.


Unless we practice the Noble Eightfold Path, it is not easy to see the Three Characteristics of Existence.

This is due to the natural human instincts of :

• Self-protection

• Self-preservation




• Self-protection





• Self-protection





• Self-protection






Beginning to understand the Three Characteristics is to begin to see the true nature of our existence and the way to enduring peace and happiness.


Anicca – Ignorance and delusion











Dukkha – Craving and aversion











Anatta – Attachment to the ego or self


























And the way to truly understand the Three Characteristics is to practice the Noble Eightfold Path.

Prepared by T Y Lee

www.justbegood.net

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The Three Characteristics of Existence. The Buddha discovered that all beings possess the Three Characteristics of Existence : Anicca – Impermanence Dukkha