Facing Impermanence: The Path to True Stillness

The Unceasing Flow of Change

The world we inhabit is defined by impermanence. It is in a state of constant flux, where everything around us—the people we meet, the things we possess, and the environments we traverse—is perpetually changing. From the moment we enter this human world, we are caught in the relentless cycle of birth, old age, sickness, and death. Every second that passes is a step closer to these inevitable realities, and this process never pauses for even a single moment.

Within this vast sea of change, how many events unfold exactly as we wish? How many can we truly control? We often find ourselves facing situations that are beyond our power to alter, carrying a sense of helplessness as we accept one change after another. This is the true reality of the human world. It is the original face of our existence, governed entirely by the laws of karma and cause and effect. Our lives are woven together by the influence of our karmic creditors, the weight of our past karma, and the consequences of our good and evil deeds.

The Mind Caught in the Storm

When our hearts are pulled and swayed by the currents of impermanence, we experience a wide range of emotional responses. These reactions are dictated by the fruits of our past actions. When we experience the results of good deeds, we feel abundance, smoothness, satisfaction, harmony, and joy. Conversely, when we experience the results of negative deeds, we feel injustice, anger, conflict, helplessness, indifference, and coldness.

Because of these constant fluctuations, the mind lacks a sense of stability. We are plagued by fear, worry, and the anxiety of gain and loss. These are the various hidden or already manifest problems of our body, mind, and spirit.

The Nature of Constant Change

Consider the nature of the world around us. A body suffering from illness may eventually find peace or pass away. After a storm of wind and rain, the sky may clear to reveal a vast, sunny expanse. A small infant, just born, becomes a running, jumping child in the blink of an eye, and soon after, a capable young adult. A simple, humble house may, within a few years, be replaced by towering skyscrapers. All these transformations are merely links in the chain of impermanence.

Because of this impermanence, there is no such thing as permanent goodness or permanent badness. There is no eternal happiness, nor is there eternal sorrow. There is no constant success, nor is there constant despair. The reason we cannot master our own lives in this world is that the mind, which should be our master, is constantly turning and changing along with external conditions. Because we are always in a state of flux, we are dominated by various emotions, physical pain, and the cycle of birth, old age, sickness, and death.

The Luminous Nature Within

However, our true self is fundamentally different. It is infinitely pure and bright, possessing boundless compassion, immeasurable wisdom, and infinite virtues. It is a spirit of dignity and auspicious characteristics. This precious true self is something that everyone possesses; it is eternal and will never disappear. It possesses the constant, unmoved meditative concentration and the infinite, natural supernatural powers of the Six Roots.

The Unmoved Mind of the Awakened

Those who have realised their true nature are not swayed or disturbed by impermanence. Once the true self manifests, it does not change because of external environments, people, or the various conditions of the body. It does not experience emotional turmoil, suffering, or pain due to the laws of karma and cause and effect, the presence of karmic creditors, or the retribution of good and evil deeds.

Instead, the awakened being utilises the various capabilities of the true self to give without complaint or regret. They work to transform and teach stubborn, suffering beings, helping them to rediscover their own true nature and be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the only true way to save beings from the shackles of reincarnation and karma, allowing them to leave suffering behind forever.

Finding Stability in the Midst of Illusion

Once you clearly recognise these facts, you will no longer feel terror, fear, or unease when facing impermanence or any form of change. You will understand that the true you is not defined by these external shifts, but is the manifestation of your true self. You will not let your heart be moved by external movements. Your heart will remain unmoved, like a mountain in the wind. Any changes in the body or the world outside will not affect the stability of your heart.

This is a state of peace and joy—a sense of freedom filled with Dharma joy that nothing else can replace. All the tremors and changes you see are merely parts of what you have witnessed and heard; they are simply the unfolding drama of impermanence. For the present moment, everything you encounter is merely a temporary illusion. Your true self and the stillness within your heart are the only eternal truths.

The Path of Faith and Practice

The impact of impermanence on our body and mind is often excruciatingly painful, especially when we do not understand the laws of karma and cause and effect, or when we know them but are still influenced by our karma and karmic creditors. If you understand the nature of suffering and have received the education of the true Buddha’s teachings, you will be able to accept impermanence and the situations you currently face.

Do not look back at the past. Instead, treat yourself and others with compassion, reason, and positive, righteous thoughts as you face the current situation. You must awaken your heart and clarify your wisdom. Understand that Awakening is not something that can be achieved in a single step. Since your karma has already manifested, you must face it; do not cling to your suffering. If you are within the Buddha’s gate, you can rely on the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss and Namo Amituofo to guide you, and you will find clarity in your heart.

The Buddha’s teachings are supreme and profound; they cannot be understood through words alone. You must practise them diligently to have personal realisation and receive the benefits of the Dharma. Because of impermanence, things are ever-changing. Because the true self is selfless, it is unchanging. Only through right faith and right understanding in Buddhist education can you truly come to this realisation.

Returning to the Original Heart

Under the shadow of impermanence, whether things change or remain the same, whether there is suffering or happiness, everything originates from the heart. The past has already gone. By understanding the truth, you will realise that all joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, as well as the meetings and partings of life, are all part of the laws of karma and cause and effect. Everything you experience now should be transformed through your practice.

You must adjust your heart, heal your heart, and rectify your heart. Rediscovering your true self can heal all suffering. First, you must be able to transform your own karma; only then can you transform the retribution of your karmic creditors. When your true self and your great wisdom manifest, you will naturally subdue and skilfully transform the karmic debts of your karmic creditors. When your own karma and the debts of your karmic creditors return to emptiness, you will attain the state of the true self—constant joy, true self, and purity—where the body does not suffer, the spirit does not die, and you are reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is the most important lesson for every practitioner to master in this lifetime.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.