Lesson 3: The Three Universal Characteristics
Instructions:
Complete the reading, ‘The Three Universal Characteristics’ by Peter Della Santina; you can download this reading below. You can then work through the Investigations, watch the videos and work through the exercises.
Note: You can also download the lesson’s investigations and exercises in the tab above.
Introduction:
Our first step has been Dhyana (meditation) practice. The next is what we experience and observe. In this lesson we’ll look at the Three Universal Characteristics. They are considered universal as they easily observed to be happening. They are undeniable, or at least considered undeniable by Buddhism. They are the basis of Buddhist principles.
Reading:
Download and Read Chapter 11 ‘The Three Universal Charateristics’ in The Tree of Enlightenment, by Peter Della Santina
Introduction:
The three universal charactistics consist of:
– Dukkha (Nothing satisfies us 100%)
– Annica (Impermanence)
– Annata (Not-self)
In this lesson we’ll be concentrating mostly on Annica (Impermanence), and shall explore the other two in great detail in the coming lessons.
Annica (Impermanence)
Investigations
It is said that everything, internally and externally, is impermanent. In thinking about this, can you find anything in contradiction to this? Can you find anything that is everlasting?
The Buddha claimed impermanence as the first characteristic of existence. Why do you think he gave such fundamental importance to impermanence for understanding ourselves and our world?
Why do you think the emphasis is given to the relationship between impermanence and suffering? Why is impermanence an occasion to suffer?
We will look more closely at how the Buddha defines self as ‘not self’. However, taking into account how the Author defines ‘Not-Self’ – what do you think is meant by the term ‘Not-Self’?
Exercise
Look in the mirror and name all the physical parts you see of yourself and write them down. Then sit in a brief meditation and after the sitting write down all the different mental parts that you see. Now meditate again and see if you can locate where e.g. Jo, Peter, or Anita… where are you?
Watch:
Dhyana and the three truths of Buddhism by Dzongsar Khyentse
Congratulations, you have now finished Lesson 3. Click on the next button below to continue to Lesson 4.