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Life and teachings of the Buddha - EdexcelThe Three Marks of Existence

The Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was born around 2,500 years ago in Nepal. His teachings and understanding of the world around him are widely accepted as the foundations of Buddhism.

Part of Religious StudiesBuddhism

The Three Marks of Existence

Buddhists believe that there are three characteristics that are common across everything in life. These are known as the . The Three Marks of Existence are important as they can help Buddhists to achieve and end suffering. They are called dukkha, anatta and anicca.

Mark of ExistenceMeaningExplanation
DukkhaFrustration or dissatisfaction (often understood as suffering)Life does not necessarily provide people with what they want and things are always changing. Therefore, people usually do not achieve complete satisfaction as everything has limitations, which causes them to be dissatisfied.
AnattaNo soulThere is no fixed sense of self because everything is constantly changing. Another way of expressing this is the idea that people have no soul.
AniccaImpermanenceThings in life are always changing. Nothing stays the same as everything is subject to change.
Mark of ExistenceDukkha
MeaningFrustration or dissatisfaction (often understood as suffering)
ExplanationLife does not necessarily provide people with what they want and things are always changing. Therefore, people usually do not achieve complete satisfaction as everything has limitations, which causes them to be dissatisfied.
Mark of ExistenceAnatta
MeaningNo soul
ExplanationThere is no fixed sense of self because everything is constantly changing. Another way of expressing this is the idea that people have no soul.
Mark of ExistenceAnicca
MeaningImpermanence
ExplanationThings in life are always changing. Nothing stays the same as everything is subject to change.
Buddhism infographic showing the Three Marks of Existence: Anicca, Dukkha and Anatta.