Suffering: the Three Marks of Existence and the Four Noble Truths

Viewing suffering (dukkha) from the perspective of the Three Marks of Existence (anicca, dukkha, anatta), all conditioned phenomena are impermanent. They are constantly changing, and nothing can be grasped as a fixed entity. So, how can we rely on or depend on such things? Naturally, anything that is conditioned cannot bring lasting satisfaction and is, therefore, suffering.

From the perspective of the Four Noble Truths (dukkha, samudaya, nirodha, magga), clinging (tanha) arises toward impermanent things, which intensifies suffering.

According to the Three Marks of Existence, the truth that 'all conditioned phenomena are impermanent' is unchanging. However, people cling to what is impermanent, thereby creating even more suffering. The essence of practice is to uproot this clinging (craving, lust). When clinging is completely eradicated, one attains liberation (Nibbana).

Of course, even after attaining liberation and nibbana, the body and mind (the five aggregates) remain impermanent. Therefore, the ultimate goal of practice is to cultivate the path, become an arahant, and finally be free from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Nevertheless, upon attaining liberation and nibbana, lust, hatred, and delusion (the three poisons) are extinguished, and one becomes free from suffering.