The Fleeting Nature of Life

Words of Namo Amituofo: Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

December 1, 2023.

The Unfolding Mystery of Impermanence

What is the meaning of impermanence? Constancy refers to a state of being that is normal, stable, and unchanging. Impermanence, therefore, can be defined as that which is not a normal state, that which is not stable, and that which is not eternal. It is the fundamental condition of all things that are not yet awakened.

What does it mean to exist within this state of impermanence? Unless one has realised their true nature—which is constant and unshakeable—one remains trapped within the cycle of cause and effect. Without this realisation, every aspect of our existence is caught in the shifting tides of Causal Conditions, where things arise and then fade away.

Life as a Series of Transient Transitions

Human life is a manifestation of impermanence. It is composed of a continuous, unbroken chain of transient events. When Causal Conditions are present, things come together; when those conditions dissipate, things must inevitably drift apart. This is true for the relationships between people, and it is equally true for the relationship between the spirit and the physical body.

Good fortune can transform into hardship, just as hardship can eventually give way to better days. Stability often shifts into volatility, and periods of turbulence eventually settle into calm. Our emotions are perhaps the most impermanent of all, shifting and changing with every passing thought. The entire process of birth, aging, sickness, and death is a testament to this constant state of flux.

The Heart Amidst the Rising Tides

Because of this, the heart often rises and falls in accordance with these external changes. One moment, you may be living a life of peace and comfort. The next, a loved one may fall gravely ill, and your entire family life is transformed in an instant, leading to profound suffering. If it is you who falls ill, the threat to your own life becomes an even greater blow to your spirit.

Whether it is the changing circumstances of your work, the people around you, or the inevitable progression of aging, sickness, and death, these are all manifestations of impermanence. My children, do you wish to continue living your lives in this state of constant uncertainty? Do you wish to allow your heart to fluctuate and remain unsettled, forever chasing the shadows of a changing world?

The Path to True Constancy

If you wish to avoid the distress caused by impermanence, you must learn to recognise its true face. Even if these impermanent events seem like illusions that have already passed, or if they are manifesting before you right now, you must understand that they are the result of the laws of karma and cause and effect. You must face these situations with a spirit of repenting. Do not continue to plant the seeds of suffering, for if you do, you will surely reap the bitter fruits of that same suffering in the future.

A heart that remains constant and without waves, a heart that is calm and possesses meditative concentration while facing all things—this is the heart of those who have realised their true nature. The cycle of being reincarnated and the weight of karma are themselves forms of impermanence. By keeping your heart steady and unmoving, you will not be swayed by the rising and falling tides of the world.

Only through diligent practice can you recognise the true face of impermanence. You must face reality with honesty, and quickly repent, change their ways, so that you may transform your karma. Only then will you be able to transcend the suffering of birth, aging, sickness, death, and the elements separate. To practise diligently and see your true nature is the only way to truly break free from the impermanent nature of life. Understand this clearly, and put it into practice!

Namo Amituofo