Long time no post! Perhaps a short explanation may be cathartic.
Buddhism’s attraction to many of us is the Ehi-
So despite understanding, as opposed to knowing, Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta (Impermanence, Unsatisfactoriness, Non-self), when you are actually faced with the experience it can
What’s this all about then? Last year someone very close to me my whole life (and close to my age) was savaged by a cruel illness and had a rapid decline over a period of months to an untimely death. This despite some intensive intervention from the medical world (compassionate and caring people all). This loss was compounded a month later when one of our favourite horses got colic and had to be put down.
Rather than maintaining equanimity and understanding this as Anicca, Dukkha, these events precipitated somewhat of an existential crisis. Daily meditation was fleeting and uncomfortable; being left on my own with no distractions for any length of time was “difficult” (try 2 *
Knowing anicca indeed!
Svâkkhato Bhagavatâ Dhammo Sanditthiko Akâliko Ehi-passiko Panâyiko Paccattam veditabbo viññuhiti.
The Dhamma of the Blessed One is perfectly expounded; to be seen here and now; not delayed in time; inviting one to come and see; onward leading (to Nibbana); to be known by the wise, each for himself.
And the five daily recollections, useful to place the self-identity in perspective, from the Aṅguttara Nikāya below.
Subjects for Contemplation, based on the Upajjhaṭṭhana Sutta(AN 5:57)
NB: This text modified from the original.
“There are these five facts that one should reflect on often:
“‘I am subject to ageing, have not gone beyond ageing’…
“‘I am subject to illness, have not gone beyond illness’.…
“‘I am subject to death, have not gone beyond death’.…
“‘I will grow different, separate from all that is currently dear & appealing to me’.…
“‘I am the owner of actions [kamma], heir to actions, born of actions, related through actions, ……. Whatever I do, for good or for evil, weaves a web of probability to which I am subject in this life or the next ’.… Modifed from the text here: https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN5_57.html (orig trans. Thanissaro Bhikkhu)
Yes, all well and good but for someone who is not familiar with the Buddhist terms this is very hard to understand. Please make it easier for those of us without knowledge of the terms understand and possibly know what is meant.
Hi bumpasmithBob Smith,
The terms used are translated on first use:
– “Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta (Impermanence, Unsatisfactoriness, Non-self)”
Google is also your friend: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_marks_of_existence
I guess as this is a Buddhist blog (as opposed to a general forum), Buddhist conceptual terminology is to be expected. Can I suggest a read of something like this: https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/intro_bud.htm
With Metta