Preface
In Buddhism, there is a concept called the “Four Seals of Dharma,” which I had never fully understood—until recently, when I listened to a podcast that explained it very clearly and intriguingly. Below are my notes:
All Phenomena Are Impermanent
The macroeconomic environment is poor, so I thought I’d pursue a Ph.D. to “coast along” for a while. But I failed to secure admission through the recommendation-based system, and then failed the Ph.D. entrance exams too. I truly am useless—so I had no choice but to graduate and start job hunting. I was deeply upset. Yet, a year later, I discovered that working was actually a wonderful experience—I felt confident and empowered, whereas my friends who had entered Ph.D. programs were perpetually anxious and gloomy.
The “goodness” or “badness” of any given situation can shift at any moment: what seems one way today may appear entirely different tomorrow—or even change in the span of a single thought.
This is impermanence.
All Dharmas Are Without Self
Whether or not to pursue a Ph.D. is neither inherently “good” nor “bad”—it depends entirely on how one perceives it. All phenomena themselves are unconscious; they possess no intrinsic “self,” nor do they possess inherent qualities of “goodness” or “badness.”
This is selflessness (anātman).
Nirvana Is Stillness
Whether or not one pursues a Ph.D., whether or not one studies medicine—these choices affect only one’s external labels.
Am I a “doctor”? Am I a “Ph.D.”? Neither label changes who I fundamentally am.
I enjoy helping others; I love reading books—these are the authentic expressions of “me,” independent of any external label.
Thus, ultimately, one observes the chaotic, ever-shifting flurry of all phenomena—yet the “self” remains unmoved, steadfast as a mountain.
This is stillness.
Postscript
There is also the fourth seal: “All conditioned phenomena are suffering.” I’ll write about that later.
References
“Emptiness Explained in 17 Minutes” – Garden Master’s Multiverse | Xiaoyuzhou Podcast