Understanding Impermanence

Excerpt 1: Face Both the Positive and Negative with Courage

We like being healthy, successful and happy, and prefer to hear others mention these good aspects of life.  We don’t like the idea of impermanence or the inevitability of death. But the truth is, we have to deal with many unpleasant issues throughout our lives. We should face them with courage, which derives from a deep understanding of their essence.

Excerpt 2: Impermanence Can Beat Suffering

I believe we should spend time in contemplation, looking deeply into our life and even the entire universe. It is through contemplation that the importance of the concept of impermanence in both Buddhist practice and our everyday existence will be revealed. Most of our pain is due to a misunderstanding of the nature of impermanence. Once we realize the nature of impermanence, our pain will disappear.

Excerpt 3: Take Impermanence Seriously

Life is full of unexpected changes and you have to be prepared for it by thinking about it in advance. If you don’t, you won’t be able to cope with what happens. Unfortunately, so many young people today find themselves at a loss in this respect. When a relationship breaks up many see suicide as the only option. But nothing ever remains the same. A successful business person, owing to unforeseen circumstances, can still end up broke. This is the nature of impermanence and it’s something we should think seriously about.

Excerpt 4: Enjoying O ur Life While Discovering the Truth

Our consumer culture provides us with much entertaining information in the form of ads, movies and television, which may be deceptive and lead us away from truth. I don’t object to consumerism because we need to enjoy life but it’s also important to understand the truth of things.

Excerpt 5: Get Ready for Impermanence

If you keep in mind that everything is impermanent, you will positively and optimistically face the things that are most important to you. And when unpleasant situations arise, your mind will be prepared for them. Many of us shy away from what is happening in life. Some of us, including some educators, prefer to acknowledge only the positive or pleasant aspects of life while neglecting the negative. But this is not realistic. Life consists of both happiness and suffering, ups and downs. Just as a day consists of both day and night, light and dark. We should not be taught to favor one over the other, otherwise, it’s not a complete education. Like the wise, pursue the truth and be prepared for everything. In this way, you will do better and better.