TILAKKHANA OR THE LIFE'S WAY

The Buddhist world view insists :

1. That things in the world are of a transitory and constantly changing nature [anicca]. In the face of calamitous changes like earth quakes, floods and fires which occur all over the world, and death-dealing disasters like wars and famines which we witness everyday, is man still expected to believe in powers that hold things together in the universe perfectly well and protect the interests of man down on earth? 2. That this breakdown of the expected constancy and permanence leads to invariable dissatisfaction with the world and consequent frustration [dukkha]. 3. And that these two together leave the worth of human life at a very low ebb, without mastery and without command over anything in life that befalls man [ anatta ]. This is the basic teaching of tilakkhana or three characteristics of all that is in the world.

This must invariably lead any sensible person with an acceptable degree of sanity to a complete rejection or an acceptance with healthy caution of what appears to be our total inheritance in this world. This he should do, acquiring a dignified detachment, preferring and opting for the transcendental achievement in Nirvana which is beyond this. It definitely is something which is attainable via discipline, through personal self-correction and self-adjustment, possibly in this very life. This is by no means a pessimistic outlook. It is one of honest realism and hopeful planning, like a well planned flight into outer space, even unmanned, but with near-total success. Its results are no less real than ordering corn-flakes or porridge for breakfast. In consequence of this, one would have lived a totally enriched life while on earth, here and now.

009. An evil-doer is consumed in both worlds, here and hereafter. He grieves over the fact that he has done evil. Such a person grieves exceedingly, having been dispatched to a birth in a lower degenerate state. He who has done ennobling deeds [ punya ] rejoices wherever he is born. Gaining birth in a blissful state, he rejoices over the goodness of the deeds he has done. [ Dhammapada vv. 17 & 18 ].