THE THREE UNIVERSAL CHARACTERISTICS
三 法 印
A characteristic is a fact which tells us something
about the nature of things. When the Buddha taught us that there are three
characteristics of existence. He meant that these characteristics are
always connected with existence. They are:
諸行無常
IMPERMANENCE OF ALL EXISTENCE 諸行無常
Introduction: The Buddha taught us that
all existence is impermanent because there is nothing internal or external
whatsoever which is permanent, stable, lasting, and not subjected to decay
and destructions. Everything changes continuously. Examples:
Flowing water of a river.
Burning flame of a candle.
-they are never the same in two consecutive moments. Aspects:
(a)Our body ( (b)Our mind ( (c)External objects like the oceans, continents, mountain
ranges, and even the earth, the sun and the solar system are also
constantly changing and will some day become extinct.
All external object undergoes formation All life form undergoes
We cannot doubt the
impermanence of life. Life can end at any moment. No one can avoid
death and the destruction of the body.
Implication: Whatever is impermanent
is also suffering (無常是苦).
Everything which arises will last only for a time, then it decays and
finally dies. Repeated birth and death is hard to endure. It disturbs
one's peace of mind and is a cause of suffering. Thus old age, sickness
and death which are evidences of impermanence of life are forms of
suffering also.
Benefits: (a) Improve human relationships ( When one realises that people and situations are impermanent and
constantly changing, one will approach each moment of a relationship with
an open mind. One will be able to react to each new situation without
clinging to outdated ideas about people. Success in life depends on one's
ability to adapt to change in situations and to make the most of new
opportunities arising. (b) Cope with difficulties in life ( Understanding that suffering is universal and inevitable enables one to
face the realities of life with calmness of mind. One will be able to cope
with old age, sickness and death without becoming disheartened or
desperate. It also encourages people to look for a solution to the problem
of suffering just as the Buddha did.
(c) Practice the Eightfold Path Having understood that youth, health, material well-beings and even
life itself are impermanent, people should then make the most of those
favorable circumstances while they last. This means that they need to
practice the Noble Eightfold Path in order to achieve happiness and
Enlightenment. The Buddha's last words were,
Strive on with diligence."
IMPERSONALITY OF ALL PHENOMENA 諸法無我
Definition: In Buddhism, an entity
qualifies to be a "self" if it is: Introduction: People often think that there must be a
personality or self that is real and permanent, otherwise
they would not exist or experience things in life. However, the Buddha
taught us that the concept of a "self" consists of 5 elements, the Five
Aggregates. There is no real, permanent and independent personality or
self at all.
Components of "self ": The Five Aggregates BODY (physical) (色法) MIND (Mental)(心法) Example:
A so-called "car" is made up of different parts like the four wheels,
the engine, the body, car seats, windows etc. All these parts have to be
available and arranged in the right way in order to form a "car". In other
words, the "car" is just a convenient name of a collection of its parts.
The notion of "self" can be analyzed in the same manner. When people
say, for instance, "I am going to school", they are just using a
convenient name I for a collection of physical and mental factors.
In reality, there is no I or self. Analysis:
(a) Our body is made up of many parts like arms, legs, head,
eyes, ears, nose, internal organs etc. It is not an
independent entity. If body were the self, it would be able to will
itself to be strong or its will. Our body is not permanent
in nature. Therefore, the body cannot be the self. (b) Our mind cannot do whatever it wished. It often runs away
from what it knows to be right, and runs after what is wrong. It is not
independent of outside influences. It becomes disturbed, distracted
and excited against its will. Therefore, the mind as well is not the
self. Benefits: So long as people think that the self is
permanent and independent, they are bound to be self-centered and
egoistic. Not only will they feel constantly threatened by people and
situations, but they will also feel compelled to propelled to protect
themselves, their possessions, and even their opinions, at any cost.
But once people realize that the self is just a convenient name for a
collection of constantly changing physical and mental factors, they will
no longer cling to it in fear and insecurity. They will find it easier to
grow, learn, develop, and to be generous, kind and compassionate because
they will no longer need to be constantly on the defensive.
Understanding the fact of impersonality can help people deal more
effectively with every day situations. It encourages the cultivation of
Good Conduct and help one to progress toward happiness, peace and
Enlightenment.
- permanent (常),
-
independent (一),
- real (實)
(1) Matter 色
(2) Sensation 受
(3) Perception 想
(4) Mental formation 行
(5) Consciousness 識
End of suffering As discussed in the chapter on "The Four Noble Truths", Nirvana is the
end of suffering ( ( Blissful and happiness The Buddha taught that the end of suffering is supreme happiness. Every
step towards the end of suffering is accompanied by ever-increasing peace
and joy. The Buddha said,
Those who follow the Teaching of the Buddha live happily without greed among those who are overwhelmed by desire. They live happily without anger among those who harbour ill will. The more people free themselves from craving and ignorance, the greater will be their happiness.
When they have completely overcome desire, ill will and ignorance, they
will know the supreme happiness as experienced by the Buddha.
Experience Nirvana for Oneself
Remember the story of the turtle and the fish that we discussed last
term? The fish refuse to believe that dry land really exist because that
was something beyond his own experience. Similarly, we might not have
experienced Nirvana, but it does not mean that Nirvana is not possible to
attain.
Our limited words and descriptions cannot fully express the real nature
of Nirvana. Attempting to describe Nirvana is like saying that mange in
order to know for oneself what the taste is really like. Similarly,
Nirvana has to be experienced for oneself.
Confidence in the Buddha's Teaching
A patient must have confidence in an experienced doctor, otherwise he
will never take the medicine that the doctor has prescribed for him and
will not be cured of his sickness. Similarly, if we have confidence in the
Buddha's Teaching and put it into practice, we can achieve happiness,
peace and Enlightenment.
