The three marks of existence are traits that are shared by all conscious lifeforms. They are impermanence, (annica), non-self (anatta) and suffering (dukkha). These three attributes must be grasped to understand our own existence.
Impermanence
Impermanence is the constant changing nature conscious beings endure, and the fact that it may and can be painful. The exterior of a being changes as time passes. Nothing here stays the same, we are in a constant state of fluctuation. We appear one way, each day our appearance changes, and we will never be the same from one moment to the next. We must understand that the mind changes even more than our outward appearance.
We tend to accept the impermanence when it comes in the form of material possessions. However, when we make decisions that will impact our lives, we really struggle to accept the impermanent nature of everything. We must remember that in our society that the decisions we make will not only shape our lives but will also effect what decisions we make in the future.
Non-self
The teaching of Non-self essentially means the denial of a soul. The Buddha does not necessarily deny the existence of the self, more likely that the self we recognize is not always the same. Instead, with the mark of impermanence (we discussed impermanence earlier) we are subject to change and we should not become attached to notions of what we believe to be our true self.
There are five forms of our aspects of being that make up the five skandhas, which are the most basic form of suffering. They are matter, sensations, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness.
Matter
The matter meaning physical aspect of the universe. Anything we sense or perceive comes from the senses. Our bodies are matter and It is a bad idea to associate our selves with our body, which is a medium or more often a tool used in life.
Sensations
Sensations, as mentioned, come from the matter around us. Thoughts and ideas arise from these sensations. The Buddha pointed out these sensations are constantly changing.
Perceptions
Perceptions are what we give to matter from what we have taken from the six senses. The five matter images created from our perceptions. We can attempt to identify the matter with our perceptions, but can never pierce their true forms.
Mental formations
We create a response to our perceptions in this vital stage. There are 50 different stages of mental formations. We generate karma based off our mental formations. Our mental formations may form our stage of rebirth, or at least have a lax connection between one form and the next.
Consciousness
Consciousness comes from successive mental formations and reactions sprout from them. We act in certain ways due to our consciousness. Consciousness, like the others, is dependent on the four other skandhas
Suffering
Suffering is felt by everyone and is part of the 4 noble truths (Covered in a previous post). Suffering (Dukkha) occurs all the time and is felt by everyone. It can be alleviated by the eightfold path (also covered in a previous post.) Suffering is caused by worldly desires. Suffering carries attachments. Suffering originates not from others but from yourself.
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