The Four Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching

Question 1

4 Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching

Answer 1

1) All composite things are impermanent
2) All contaminated things are of the nature of suffering
3) All phenomena are of the nature of emptiness and selflessness
4) Transcending sorrow is peace

Question 2

4 Types of Ignorance (4 Perverted Views)

Answer 2

1) Misperceiving impermanent phenomena as permanent (1st Seal)
2) Perceiving miseries as happiness (2nd Seal)
3) Misperceiving impure beings as pure (3rd Seal)
4) Misperceiving everything of selfless nature as having selfhood nature (3rd Seal)

Question 3

3 Types of Composite Phenomena

Answer 3

1) Form
2) Mind - primary mind and mental factors
3) Non-associated Compositional Factors - self, time, mental imprints

Question 4

2 Types of Impermanence

Answer 4

1) Gross Impermanence - impermanent phenomena whose continuum terminates

2) Subtle Impermanence - the momentariness within all composite phenomena

Question 5

Define Affliction

Answer 5

Affliction is a mental factor, the presence of which disturbs the mind

Question 6

3 Types of Impermanent Phenomena

Answer 6

1) Impermanent phenomena whose continuum will invariably stop
2) Impermanent phenomena whose continuum will never end
3) Impermanent phenomena whose continuum will end with effort