impermanence

[birds]

It's difficult to remember at times and somewhat comforting at others.

[Visitor]

Yes, everything changes.

Long time ago I once told a friend that I was experiencing the worst time of my life. He laughed and said, 'don't be silly, there will be worse ones to come yet'. He made my laugh.
He then said 'all things come and go'. He noticed I was not too convinced, and then added, 'How old are you'? 'Thirty-four' I said.
'Well, for thirty-four years, things have come and gone. Whatever trouble you have now, it too will pass like all the rest'.
I was then able to totally let go of all my worries.

[LadyMay]

"And this too shall pass".

[Visitor]

Originally Posted by ScarlettHayden

"And this too shall pass".

Yep, it sure does.
Stress, release, stress, release ......
However, I must remember that things passing do not necessarily mean a returning, like a revolving door.
I do have a few things I hope will not return in my life... change, yes, but not return.

[ajay00]

Originally Posted by birds

It's difficult to remember at times and somewhat comforting at others.

The greatest symbol and sign of this impermanence is one's own death itself.

The Buddha exhorted the contemplation of death to impress upon the mind the impermanence of all beings and things,break the infatuation for sense-pleasures and for better understanding of reality.

The Buddhist text Visuddhi Magga says in this regard,

"Now when a man is truly wise,
His constant task will surely be,
This recollection about death,
Blessed with such mighty potency."


Truly , the constant reflection and contemplation of death greatly accelerates our spiritual growth by focussing our attention on priorities rather than trivialities, and brings a sense of proportion to our values.

Here is a great link on "Buddhist Reflections on Death" by the Buddhist monk V.F. Gunaratna.

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/a.../wheel102.html