Impermanence, Selflessness, And Dissatisfaction Essay examples -- essa

Impermanence, Selflessness, and DissatisfactionBuddhism is neither a religion nor a philosophy, scarcely rather a way oflife. This does not imply that Buddhism is nothing more than an ethical codeit is a way of moral, spiritual and intellectual training leading to completefreedom of the mind. (DeSilva, 1991p 5). Of the many Buddhist sects, ZenBuddhism places contingent emphasis on living the right life, and does notrevolve around rite and ritual. Buddhism outlines the three characteristics ofexistence, which aids one in achieving enlightenment. Impermanence,selflessness, and dissatisfaction are concepts that are easily tacit on anintellectual level, but to apply these concepts in ones life is challenging.Impermanence is concerned with the thought that nothing remains static, andchange is to be expected. Selflessness holds that there is no immortal soul orexternal Self that exists in each individual (Fadiman & Frager,1994p 545)selflessness is closely connected with impermanence. Dissatisfaction is a large concept entir ely- it involves the acknowledgment that measly exists.The world is founded on suffering, (DeSilva, 1991p 21) and once anythingbecomes a problem there is bound to be suffering, unsatisfactoriness, orconflict- conflict amid our desires and the state of reality.Dissatisfaction is the most difficult characteristic of existence to apply toones life, as it involves not only the acceptance of this state, but alsooutlines one on how to fragility and cure this state.The notion that the world is an ever-changing environment on all levelsof existence is not a radical idea. In fact, those that have not up to now acceptedchange as a natural state of nature is denying the reality of life. A being andthe empirical world are both continuously changing. They come into being and passaway. All is in a whirl, nothing escapes this inexorable unceasing change, andbecause of this transient nature nothing is really pleasant. There is happiness,but very momenta ry, it vanishes like a flake of snow, and brings aboutunsatisfactoriness (DeSilva, 1991p 29). Both pleasant and unpleasantconditions come and go, it is then the responsibility of the individual to dealwith each situation in the right way. Understanding that there is nouniversal truth, that thoughts and ideas evolve- leaves one open to impr... ... individual is in the fortunate position ofhaving the ability to end the suffering conditions, whether they bepsychological or physical.Consequently, the Buddhist characteristics of existence are useful tothe average individual. These concepts can aid the individual in healthyanalysis of their sort and motivations, as well as offer methods that enableone to actively change aspects of their life that they may be dissatisfied with.BIBLIOGRAPHYDeSilva, J.The Spectrum of Buddhism The Writings of Piyadassi.Buddhist missioner Society New York, 1991.Fadiman, J. Personality and Personal Growth. HarperCollins CollegeFrager, R.Publishers United Stat es, 1994.Suzuki, D.T.Manual of Zen Buddhism. Rider London, New York, 1956.Web Siteshttp//www.ncf.carelton.ca/freenet/rootdi...ism/introduction/truths/NobleTruth--1.htmlhttp//www.inet.co.th/cyberclub/over_buddhism.html