Impermanence, Selflessness, And Dissatisfaction Essay, Research Paper

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 closely connected with impermanence. Dissatisfaction is a

larger concept entir ely- it involves the acknowledgment that suffering exists.

The world is founded on suffering, (DeSilva, 1991:p 21) and once anything

becomes a problem there is bound to be suffering, unsatisfactoriness, or

conflict- conflict between our desires and the state of reality.

Dissatisfaction is the most difficult characteristic of existence to apply to

one’s life, as it involves not only the acceptance of this state, but also

outlines one on how to treat and cure this state.

The notion that the world is an ever-changing environment on all levels

of existence is not a radical idea. In fact, those that have not yet accepted

change as a natural state of nature is denying the reality of life. A being and

the empirical world are both constantly changing. They come into being and pass

away. All is in a whirl, nothing escapes this inexorable unceasing change, and

because of this transient nature nothing is really pleasant. There is happiness,

but very momentary, it vanishes like a flake of snow, and brings about

unsatisfactoriness (DeSilva, 1991:p 29). Both pleasant and unpleasant

conditions come and go, it is then the responsibility of the individual to deal

with each situation in the ?right’ way. Understanding that there is no

universal truth, that thoughts and ideas evolve- leaves one open to improve and

grow- a goal of Buddhism. The concept of impermanence is significant from a

psychological standpoint, as it encourages individuals to deal with situations

with more flexibility, as well as understanding. Impermanence allows one to

possess a firm grip upon reality, knowing that there is an ever-changing

landscape, encouraging one not to take things for granted.

Related to impermanence, is the concept of selflessness. Selflessness

involves the knowledge that there is no immortal soul or eternal Self that

exists in each individual (Fadiman & Frager, 1994:p 545). The so-called

individual is a collection of attributes, all of which are impermanent and

constantly changing. According to the Buddha, the person is made up of five

basic factors- body, perception, sensation, consciousness, and mental activities.

(Fadiman & Frager, 1994:p 545) Selflessness enables the individual to focus

upon the external with the understanding that ?I’ is not of significant priority.

In taking the importance away from the individual, it permits one to become

concerned with issues not related directly to the self. The fact that the world

is constantly changing, and that one does not possess an immortal soul; allows

the stage to be set for dissatisfaction, as it encompasses a number of

principles.

Dissatisfaction exists, it is not a foreign notion. To this single

problem we give different names: economic, social, political, psychological, and

even religious problems. Do they not all emanate from that one single problem,

namely unsatisfactoriness? If there is no unsatisfactoriness, why need we

strive to solve them? Does not solving a problem imply reducing the

unsatisfactoriness? (DeSilva, 1991: p 48) Dissatisfaction is in essence

suffering, the fundamental problem of life. Suffering appears in two forms;

psychological and physical- which falls into three categories.

Ordinary suffering includes; birth, death, sickness, old age, unpleasant

conditions, grief, etc. It is typical to experience these sufferings throughout

the duration of one’s life. The second type of suffering is suffering produced

by change, followed by suffering as conditioned states. Suffering as

conditioned states occurs when an individual is attached to; matter, sensations,

perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. The Buddha points out that

people suffer change every moment ant this change brings about

unsatisfactoriness; for whatever is impermanent is unsatisfactory- there is no

lasting bliss. (DeSilva, 1991:p 73) Following the understanding of the

characteristics of existence, in particular, that of dissatisfaction and

suffering- the Four Noble Truths await. These truths in no way contradict the

aforementioned characteristics, but rather, explain how they can be dealt with

in a constructive manner.

It is not difficult to grasp the concepts of impermanence, selflessness,

or dissatisfaction- carrying the meaning of these words into ones daily life,

conversely, is a task. Impermanence is perhaps the easiest concept of the three

to accept, as our world seems to change more rapidly than ever, and one becomes

accustomed to this. It would only be logical for this to apply to an

individual’s spiritual being as well. One must be prepared to acknowledge that

how they perceive their external condition is constantly evolving. From a

personal point of view, it is my belief that Buddhism is quite grounded and

sound as a guide for living one’s life. It in no way inhibits your nature, but

rather instills a degree of gentleness and thoughtfulness into one’s life, it

results in examination of one’s behavior. From my limited perspective,

selflessness is somewhat difficult to accept, as I believe that each person is

unique, and possesses some form of immortality- a soul for example. The fact

that we are composed of mortal, constantly changing components does not prove

that individuals are wholly mortal. An individual is composed of a great deal

more than body, perception, sensation, consciousness, and thought. It is my

belief that there are facets of an individual that cannot be so easily explained.

One cannot argue that suffering and dissatisfaction are non-existent. By

acknowledging these facts of life, an individual is in the fortunate position of

having the ability to end the suffering conditions, whether they be

psychological or physical.

Consequently, the Buddhist characteristics of existence are useful to

the average individual. These concepts can aid the individual in healthy

analysis of their behavior and motivations, as well as offer methods that enable

one to actively change aspects of their life that they may be dissatisfied with.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

DeSilva, J.The Spectrum of Buddhism: The Writings of Piyadassi.

Buddhist Missionary Society: New York, 1991.

Fadiman, J. Personality and Personal Growth. HarperCollins College

Frager, R.Publishers: United States, 1994.

Suzuki, D.T.Manual of Zen Buddhism. Rider: London, New York, 1956.

Web Sites

http://www.ncf.carelton.ca/freenet/rootdi…ism/introduction/truths/NobleTruth-

-1.html

http://www.inet.co.th/cyberclub/over_buddhism.html