As an expert in philosophical and existential concepts, I can provide an explanation for the "three marks of existence" within the context of Buddhist philosophy, which is where the term is most commonly found.
The three marks of existence, according to Buddhism, are characteristics that all conditioned phenomena share, which serve to illustrate the nature of reality. They are:
1. Impermanence (Anicca/Anitya): All conditioned things are subject to change. There is nothing that remains constant forever. This includes the physical world, emotions, and even the self.
2. **Suffering or Dissatisfaction (Dukkha/Dukkhat)**: There is a sense of unsatisfactoriness inherent in all conditioned existence. This doesn't mean that life is always miserable, but rather that there is a pervasive sense of imperfection and a lack of lasting fulfillment.
3. Non-Self (Anatta/Anatman): There is no permanent, unchanging self or essence inherent in living beings. The belief in a solid, unchanging self is an illusion and is a primary cause of suffering.
These three marks are fundamental to Buddhist teachings and are used to understand and overcome suffering.
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