Related question(s)
Explain
the three characteristics of existence in Buddhism.
INTRODUCTION
The three characteristics of existence; a core doctrine in
Buddhism, analyses and presents all that human life and existence in the world,
is all about. These characteristics, which are in a triadic form, are all
related and born out of one another. In this write-up, they would be explained.
BUDDHISM: A BRIEF ANALYSIS
Buddhism is the philosophy and religion, founded by an Indian
sage called ‘Buddha’. At birth, he was named ‘Siddhartha Gautama’, of which he
was born in 563 B.C. in Northern India . Many
fantastic stories are told about the circumstances of his birth and life, which
portray him as a divine begin. At some point in ‘Siddhartha’s life, he became
enlightened; it was after this experience he was called ‘Buddha’ meaning ‘the
enlightened one’.
PHILOSOPHY AS A REFLECTION ON
HUMAN EXPERINECE
Even though the above definition of philosophy is one of its
concensus definitions, given to put the controversial natural of philosophy in
check; it is also very much relevant expression of philosophy as regards the
characteristics of existence presented by ‘Buddha’. The underlying maxim here
is that one’s experience of life will surely determine one’s philosophy and
ideology about life. Hence, Buddha’s personal experience about life has been
summarized in his philosophy of the ‘three characteristics of existence’ –
Buddha’s ideology about life.
THE THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF
EXISTENCE
Buddha experienced a lot in his life, raining from extreme
wealth to extreme poverty. Hence, his philosophy of, the three characteristics
of existence are hereby analysed:-
i. Impermanence (anicca)
ii. Insubstantiality (anatta)
iii. Suffering (dukkha)
i. Impermanence
(anicca)
This
characteristics of existence asserts the very fact that every thing in this
world is ‘mutable’ (ie) all things are liable to change; hence, nothing is
permanent. For example, if we practically look around us, we notice that nothing
has a specific nature. Power, wealth, fame, relationships, status, age,
possessions, economy, solar system and so on, are constantly changing. Understanding
this is in itself Wisdom; for it is unwise to expect things not to change. This
process of constant change of all things, goes on continuously and it affects
us intimately in our daily life. Those things we dearly love, are all
impermanent, as they will also decay and be destroyed eventually. Even, the
fact of death is also a reminder of impermanence. Hence, a day is coming when
wealth, family, fame and so on will be of no use to us, for death is absolutely
certain. Therefore, excessive desire, craving and dinging to things is unwise
and should be avoided.
ii. Insubstantiality
(anatta)
This
second characteristics of existence derives from the characteristic of
impermanence. It asserts the fact that nothing has a ‘self’ (ie) a substantial
fixed and certain nature. Os, nothing is therefore satisfactory, and this is
the true nature of things. As we all know, we entered this world with nothing
and we would exit the world likewise. Hence, it is an error to believe that anything
we possess is truly ours, for after we die, it would be enjoyed by another.
Therefore, rejecting the idea of the self is an aid to living. We would not
have to overly defend and cling to possessions, prestige, opinion and so on. We
would be more loving, giving, comfortable, free and fulfilled. We would relate
better with others. So, the self should not be emphasized, for it is a mere
illusion.
iii. Suffering
(Dukkha)
This
third characteristic of existence is the product of ‘impermanence’ and ‘insubstantiality’.
The result of anchoring one’s desires on fleeting things, as well as the
appraisal of the ‘self’, is suffering. Since, nothing is certain, fixed and
permanent in this world, attaching oneself to these worldly things implies
desiring the impossible. Hence, when one is no longer able to enjoy access to
these former pleasures, one feels starved, tormented, threatened and even less
human. So, understanding that excessive craving and unhealthy clinging to
anything whatsoever (expect God) is an avenue for experiencing suffering, be it
physical, mental, emotional and so on.
CONCLUSION
These three characteristics of existence presented by Buddha,
tell us about the nature of existence and how to live in this world. What we
learn to develop as a result of understanding these characteristics is
renunciation and detachment from worldly affairs. In doing this, we become
wiser and gain salvation (Nirvana).
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