Impermanence

Change in all its forms is what we fear most, and impermanence is change.

Impermanence is the state or fact of lasting for only a limited period, such as the impermanence of human life or the impermanence of childhood—the receding memories and experiences that make up our disappearing past.

In Buddhism, attachment is the root of suffering, which is usually why impermanence is difficult to fathom for many people. Rationally accepting that everyone and everything is temporary is a refreshing concept; whether you want to believe it or not, it’s true.

The Buddha’s final words express, “Impermanence is inescapable. Everything vanishes.” Therefore, there is nothing more important than continuing the path with diligence. We must remember that change is always both good and bad because change, even when refreshing, always entails loss. All other options either summarily dismiss, ignore, or conveniently deny the problem.

But impermanence is not only loss; it is also changing, and change can be refreshing and renewing.

According to the 12th-century Japanese Zen master, Dogen, in “Impermanence is itself Buddha Nature,” explains, that practice isn’t so much a matter of changing or improving the conditions of your inner or outer life as a way of fully embracing and appreciating those conditions, especially the condition of impermanence and loss. 

The modern-day interpretation of impermanence is that moments come and go. Days pass by, turning into weeks, then months, then years. You and the life you lead are constantly changing. Nothing is permanent. 

When we confront adversity, and as negative emotions become overwhelming, which at some point in life, all of us experience grief resulting from the loss of a loved one, job, or break up, which are all external factors, we become sad, feel the pain or become the unfortunate victims of crimes or wrongdoings. 

Research shows that external factors don’t determine one’s happiness. Instead, internal factors are required to achieve an authentically joyous life.

At such a time in our life, we must learn self-awareness and acceptance through mindfulness and mindfulness meditation to cultivate our desired mental balance and well-being. Reflecting and meditating on impermanence can help us to understand that change is natural and that we should accept it. And it allows us to adapt when change happens more quickly, to return our minds to stability, and a sense of urgency when we are attuned to life’s fragility and unpredictability. 

Living mindfully with balanced mental states founded on impermanence counteracts the negative cycles of rumination that cause people to suffer.

Through practicing mindfulness and mindfulness meditation, we reflect and discover 0things about ourselves and life without judgment that we may not have given much thought to previously; It helps us to accept things as they are and to anticipate, expect and accept problems and change.

Sources adapted from:

Mike Oppland.  Hop vs. Hope to Accept Impermanence of Life.

Norman Fischer. Impermanence is Buddha Nature.

Scott Sanibel. A Skeptic’s Path to Enlightenment