Chapter 24. The Three Marks of Mundane Sphere (Trilakshna)
The Three Marks of Mundane Sphere or
Trilakshna is like the fundamental computer system where the Law of Karma
program is operating on it. According to
the Trilakshna, the realms which are still subject to reincarnation have the
characteristics as follows:
(1)
Anicca or Impermanence
(2)
Dukkha or Suffering
(3)
Anatt or Non-Self
Anicca means that sentient beings as well as
the realms where they live in are subject to changes, and we reflect this on
our graph as the up and down of the curve of life (L) over a period of time
(T).
Dukkha means that lives in the realms which
are still subject to reincarnation have to experience more or less
suffering. Thus, on our graph, we show
how the graph rises and falls from between happiness and suffering which
fluctuates over time (T).
Anatta means that lives in the realms which
are still subject to reincarnation are not the ‘true-self.’ We can claim that lives in these conditions
are ‘non-self.’ So, the whole fluctuating
graph between happiness and suffering over a period of time (T) is accounted as
being ‘non-self’ or ‘untrue’ whereas the ‘true self’ means the state of
Sainthood and enlightenment only.
By Pirajak
T. Suwapatdecha (formerly Pittaya Wong)
18 June 2020
