Sunday, December 11, 2005

Impermanence

Thich Nhat Hanh

Everything is fluid. Nothing is every the same as it was the second before. We are all always changing. Everything around us is always changing. Being attached to the idea of permanance is what brings us such turmoil when things pass.

I've seen this strongly over the past month as I accompanied my mother towards her death. I was able to gain strength from her understanding of impermanence, and able to let go without the crushing sadness that I was expecting. The gift she gave to me was letting go of me, so I could let go of her.

Here is a article by Thich Nhat Hanh about the "Three Dharma Seals" of impermanence, non-self, and nirvana. Every authentic teaching of the Buddha must bear all three.

Enjoy.