Essence and Change: From Aristotle to the Buddha

Abstract

        This article aims to comparatively analyze the concepts of “essence and change” in Aristotle’s philosophy and in the teachings of the Buddha. It first examines Aristotle’s theory of substance ousia) and his mechanism of explaining change through potentiality and actuality. It then explores the Buddhist doctrines of the Three Marks of Existence (Tilakkhaṇa) and Dependent Origination (Paṭiccasamuppāda), which explain change without recourse to any inherent essence. The analysis reveals that although both systems attempt to address the problem of continuity amid change, they arrive at fundamentally opposite conclusions: Aristotle affirms the existence of substance, whereas the Buddha rejects any substance, emphasizing instead relational and causal processes. This comparative study highlights their distinct metaphysical, ethical, and worldview implications, while also demonstrating the contemporary relevance of engaging in cross-cultural philosophical dialogue between East and West.