That is why if you do not expect others to stay with you, you will not feel disappointments when they leave after a while. Nothing is static. Life is constantly in a state of change, from moment to moment. It is but an accumulation of momentary actions and happenings. This is what brings ‘life’ to life and one must learn to accept it and derive wisdom from it. The way of worship has been changing and will continue to change. Whether it will be for the better or for the worse will depend solely on your motivation, the disciple’s attitude and the devotee’s faith.
Guidance is now very different from the days of old and learning will be grasped at with new perspectives. You must move on with confidence and great commitment. As long as your motivation is pure, do not be affected by the views of others. There is no time to be wasted, life is moving on too quickly and opportunities must not be allowed to slip away.
Understanding impermanence helps the mind to prepare for the eventualities of life. It will also help one to understand that nothing has a permanent self and in turn to have a clearer understanding of the Law of Dependent Origination. Although the average person will view that impermanence is the main source of sorrow and is to be feared, this is not entirely correct. Impermanence, which talks about no lasting self or nature, can also be a source of joy and a teaching of hope.
Contemplation on this subject will lead to the realising that life is precious and that is has several fortunate implications. It brings to mind that ill-health, poverty and sufferings are no less impermanent to good health, riches and happiness. That is why there are so many instances of recoveries, successes and happiness that happened quite unexpectedly. This helps to remove discriminations and frees one from pride and attachments to worldly things. Since all physical and mental phenomena can change from one way to another, life should be lived purposely and positively. There is always hope in life, no matter how hopeless it may seem to be. Wicked ones have become saints and misery can change to joy. Even if a person’s life is to end in great suffering, with right understanding of this Law, one need not die in despair because death leads to rebirth, onto a life which is blissful and progressive. So why fear Impermanence?
Friday, 18th November 1988 (10th Moon 10th Day)