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Everything in life does not last forever.”
The concept of “impermanence” is nothing new to most people, but it is not easy to understand the deeper truth behind the concept. Even those who can understand it, they may forget it easily. In learning Buddhism, what is most important is that we first realise what impermanence is.
When the Buddha was staying in an ashram, one of his disciples, Bhikkhu Radha, asked him: “Lord Buddha, I often hear you talk about ‘impermanence’ when you are expounding the Dharma to the masses. Although I listen to your teachings every day, I still do not understand the principle of impermanence.”
The Buddha replied, “The principle of impermanence is the foundation of my teachings. If one does not understand this principle, then one will not be able to enter the preliminary stage of the Truth. Hence, you must listen mindfully.”
The Buddha continued, “The Five Skandhas: form, sensation, perception, mental formation and consciousness are all impermanent. Are you able to understand that?”
Bhikkhu Radha scratched his head and said, “The ‘form’ that you mentioned includes everything we can see with our eyes. But I see many things every day and they all remain the same! Why do you say that they are impermanent?”
The Buddha replied, “Flowers blossom during spring. But have you seen the flower in its bud stage before blossoming? And have you seen how the flower blossoms?”
Radha replied, “Yes I have! But, aren’t flowers still flowers whether they are blossoming or withering?”
The Buddha said, “Yes, they are called ‘flowers’, but the term for each stage of its life cycle is different.”
Radha confessed, “I still don’t get it. I still don’t see the meaning behind it.”
“That is because you haven’t mindfully thought about it.” The Buddha further explained, “’Form’ must be perceived by thoughts and feelings. When you see a flower blossom, you have to ponder why the flower is blossoming. And when you see the bud of a flower, you have to ponder why the flower is in its bud stage. You have to even study and observe the form of the flower plant before it sprouts and becomes a bud.”
Bhikkhu Radha scratched his head and said, “Is it a seed?”
Buddha replied, “You are right. The earliest ‘form’ of a flower is a seed. After the seed is planted into the soil, it starts to germinate into a seedling under the right conditions. Then, it will bud before it blossoms. After the flower blossoms, it will eventually wither and the seeds of the flower will then fall onto the ground. This is the cycle of impermanence.”
Bhikkhu Radha said, “This is too profound! How can I perceive and understand it?”
The Buddha said, “You must ponder about things in life and experience them mindfully. All things in the world are constantly changing. For example, after the seed of a flowering plant is sown into the soil, with the presence of sunlight, soil and air, it will start germinating and grow into an adult plant. Then, it will flower, and the flowers will wither before the fruits appear. Similarly, everything in life does not last forever and is constantly changing in a cycle. All of our feelings and experiences, including the afflictions in our mind will be stored in our Eighth Consciousness. We will then carry these karmic seeds with us to our next life.”
The Buddha further encouraged Bhikkhu Radha by saying, “Knowing that an endless cycle will ensue after a seed is planted into the soil is the first step. If you continue to be mindful (as you learn), you will be able to understand the principles of life from the things and phenomena around us.”
If everyone could realise that everything in life is impermanent and maintain this perspective when dealing with people and matters, then they wouldn’t take issue with anything in life. If we can broaden our minds and make meaningful use of our lives by putting our abilities to good use, we will be able to gain understanding and realisations.
Life is about living by the seconds. Every minute and second that we have lived accumulates into time. (Our karma, be it positive or negative, is also accumulated over time.)
When we can truly live a life that is free of disputes with people and matters and are at peace with the world at large, it means that we have understood the impermanence in life. If we can thoroughly understand the meaning of impermanence, we will be liberated (and able to live a carefree life).
Extracted from: 《慈济道侣》(Tzu Chi newsletter) Issue 291
Translated by the Tzu Chi Singapore translation team
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