What three things define existence? Think, Pair, Share What three things define existence? Discuss in Pairs.

anicca/anitya (impermanence)

Learning Outcomes To be able to explain the anicca/anitya (impermanence). To be able to anaylse how it links to dukkha. To be able to evaluate whether or not all of conditioned experience truly is impermanent and constantly changing.

What are the Three Marks of Existence? The teaching of the three marks of conditioned existence (the three lakshanas) is a teaching of early Buddhism which is accepted by all Buddhist schools. It is an analysis of the First Noble Truth, the doctrine of dukkha or Suffering. The three characteristics simply provide a more detailed explanation of what is meant by dukkha, and of our unenlightened experience of the world. The three characteristics are as follows: Impermanence (anicca) not-self (anatta) suffering (dukkha)

What are the Three Marks of Existence? The marks are all interlinked and interdependent. Our existence in samsara is frustrating because we experience not only suffering, but pleasures which are impermanent and insubstantial. We, the experiencers of the pleasures, are also ourselves impermanent and insubstantial. It is our failure to take this into account which makes us unenlightened. Recognition of the three characteristics, like awareness of the rest of the Four Noble Truths, is part of wisdom. To gain wisdom we have to fully realise the reality of these characteristics in the whole of our experience.

Impermanence /Anicca The Buddha thought that everything in the world is impermanent and changing, which implies that there is nothing whatsoever that is permanent. We could say that change (anicca) is a fact of life, for example as soon as a piece of paper comes into existence, its impermanence is guaranteed. Matter is composed of different parts, and all things that are composed must have a beginning, middle and end. Everything, whether physical or mental, is a formation that has a dependent origination and is impermanent. It arises, changes and disappears. According to Buddhism, everything in human life, all objects, as well as all beings whether in heavenly or hellish or earthly realms in Buddhist cosmology, is always changing, inconstant, undergoes rebirth and re-death (Samsara). This impermanence is a source of Dukkha. The Buddha came to the conclusion that there is nothing that is not subject to change except Nirvana.

What do they mean by Impermanence? Read the article and summarise it in 5 key sentences in your notes: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Top Philosopher: Would Plato support or criticise this view? Give reasons. Stretch yourself: Read through the article ‘The Fact of Impermance’ and find three quotes you can use as evidence in your essays.

Scan the QR code to find out more… Types of Change… Buddha concluded change happens at both the gross and subtle/momentary levels. Scan the QR code to find out more… What is Gross level change? What is subtle level change? Top Philosopher: What is Heisenberg's uncertainty principle? How may it be used to support Buddhist ideas of impermance? Stretch yourself: Would Heraclitus agree with this idea?

Is all of conditioned experience truly is impermanent and constantly changing? Complete the zig-zag in your notes. Zig-zag from arguments that support and criticise the statement. For Against For Against Stretch yourself: To reach a better A02 grade you must always link your arguments… Top Philosopher task: Include synoptic links from the mind, body, soul topic.

Is all of conditioned experience truly is impermanent and constantly changing? Number yourselves on your table. Move round your table and share a your reasons! If you are an even number give a reason why someone would agree the statement. If you are an odd number give a reason why someone would disagree with the statement.