“Happiness is not so much in having, as it is in sharing.
We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.”
~ Norman MacEwan
Since I began photographing the sunrise this year, outside of when my friend Bridgette came to visit, today was the first day that I actually heard one of my villa guests join me uptop, and share in the beauty.
But there was this tiny little part of me that wanted to say ‘mine’.
A few weekends ago, I listened to a Zencast about the Buddha’s teaching on the 3 Characteristics or Marks of Existence. These three facts of existence are Not-Self, Impermanence and Suffering.
It is only through study of these teachings – and then watching myself – that I have come to understand how identifying with ‘mine’ can create huge amounts of suffering. As ‘mine’ creeped up on me, I felt the heart begin to close, and a slight agitation began to ensue. Mindfulness teaches us to breath, and watch the thought pass, and to actively replace that thought with one of generosity and lovingkindness. ‘Mine’ is simply a construct of the mind, and can be let go. So I breathed, and smiled, and watched ‘mine’ pass, in favor of sharing today’s ever changing sunrise, filled with many different hues, and clouds, and even a sprinkle.
Not-Self (Anatta)
People often think that there must be a personality or self that is real and permanent, otherwise they would not exist or experience things in life. However, the Buddha taught that there is no real, permanent and independent personality or self at all (or permanent sunrises to cling to for that matter). Once we can realize that the self is just a convenient name for a collection of constantly changing physical and mental factors, we will no longer cling to them (and our “self’) in fear and insecurity. We will find it easier to grow, earn, develop, and to be generous, kind and compassionate because we no longer need to be constantly on the defensive. Understanding the law of Not-Self (or Me, Myself and Mine) is said to develop Confidence.
Impermanence (Anicca)
The Buddha also taught that all existence is impermanent because there is nothing internal or external whatsoever which is permanent, stable, lasting, not subject to decay and destruction, and forever the same. Everything changes continuously. Existence is like the flowing water of a river or the burning flame of a candle, which is never the same in two consecutive moments. This is true for both mind and body. When one realizes that people and situation are impermanent and constantly changing, one can begin to approach each moment of a relationship with an open mind. One will be able to react to each new situation without clinging to outdated ideas about people. Relationships can then develop fruitfully. Success in life depends on one’s ability to adapt to change in situations and to make the most of new opportunities arising. Understanding the law of Impermanence is said to develop Stability.
Suffering (Dukkha)
And above all, Buddha taught that life inherently involves suffering (but that there is a way to release oneself from it’s grips). Suffering is a fact of life which people can see for themselves. Whatever is impermanent is also suffering, because we generally try to cling to things which do not last. Everything which arises will last only for a time, then it decays and finally dies (including thoughts). Understanding that suffering is universal and inevitable enables one to face the realities of life with calmness of mind. One will be able to cope with old age, sickness and death without becoming disheartened or desperate. Understanding the law of Suffering is said to develop Wellbeing.
“What you are is what you have been. What you’ll be is what you do now.”
~Buddha
So today, I hope you’ll think about the 3 Characteristics, and when you begin to feel the pangs associated with ‘mine’, you’ll know in your heart that it is impermanent, and should not be clung to … So share it instead ♥
Source: http://www.katinkahesselink.net/tibet/three-characteristics.htm
