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ESSAY SAMPLE ON "IMPERMANENCE, SELFLESSNESS, DISSATISFACTION AND BUDDHISM" |
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 entirely- 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
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