The first mark of existence: Impermanence

[Newest Reality]

There are three marks of existence:

Life is:

1. Impermanent
2. Unsatisfactory
3. Not Self

Of course, the first one is factual--not a belief--that is, if one investigates it carefully. The second two are logical outcomes of the first and also easily discerned by way of careful observation. Buddhism is a come see for yourself approach by all means.

Here is a video of a person taking a snapshot of himself every day of his life for twenty-years. This is the longest frame of time I have seen for one of these types of compositions. It is said that one lifetime is like a flash of lightening and this video is an interesting example because it all depends on the frame of reference or order of magnitude. However, it is a good reminder that your Dharma practice is important in the here and now since that is what you take with you, if anything.

[c-rational]

1. Good post and reminder Newest Reality.

On my mirror I have a note with three lines (which I should remember to read every morning).

Be Here Now.
Self Control in All Things
I AM

Regarding the unsatisfactory part, which I appreciate from the Buddhist philisophy, I am still drawn to this quote by Sharon Salzbert (b. 1952), an American Buddhist Teacher

"The difference between misery and happiness depends on what we do with our attention."

Peace.

[Newest Reality]

2. Thanks!

I am familiar with Sharon Salzbert. That's a good quote and appropriate.

That reminds me of the old saying, "Energy flows where attention goes." I don't know who that is attributed to, but it comes up on the shaman side. We do know that fixations and reification are factors in samsaric existence.

I appreciate your comment!