Overview
The Three Characteristics (Tilakkhaṇa) are the universal marks of all conditioned phenomena. Recognizing these three facts through direct insight (vipassanā) is the primary mechanism that destroys ignorance and liberates the mind. They are the objective reality of the five aggregates, whether a Buddha arises in the world or not.
The List
- Anicca - Impermanence: The reality that all conditioned things are subject to arising and passing away. Nothing remains static; everything is in a constant state of flux.
- Dukkha - Suffering / Unsatisfactoriness: Because all conditioned things are impermanent, they are inherently unreliable, flawed, and incapable of providing lasting happiness. They are essentially oppressive.
- Anattā - Non-self: The reality that no phenomenon, conditioned or unconditioned, possesses a permanent, independent soul, essence, or controller. All things are empty of self.
Textual References
- Canonical: Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta (SN 22.59) – The Buddha uses these three characteristics to guide the first five disciples to Arahatship.
- Canonical: Dhammapada (Verses 277-279) – “When one sees with wisdom that all conditioned things are impermanent… suffering… and all dhammas are non-self…”