Impermanence, Selflessness, and Dissatisfaction
Buddhism is neither a religion nor a philosophy, but rather a way of
life. This does not imply that Buddhism is nothing more than an ethical code:
it is a way of moral, spiritual and intellectual training leading to complete
freedom of the mind. (DeSilva, 1991:p 5). Of the many Buddhist sects, Zen
Buddhism places particular emphasis on living the right' life, and does not
revolve around rite and ritual. Buddhism outlines the three characteristics of
existence, which aids one in achieving enlightenment. Impermanence,
selflessness, and dissatisfaction are concepts that are easily understood on an
intellectual level, but to apply these concepts in one's life is challenging.
Impermanence is concerned with the thought that nothing remains static, and
change is to be expected. Selflessness holds that there is no immortal soul or
external Self that exists in each individual; (Fadiman & Frager,1994:p 545)
selflessness is......
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