At the heart of our Buddhist practice lies the belief that embracing impermanence is essential for liberation from suffering. I am grateful for the chance to explain why this understanding guides my path.
Consider the story of the Buddha seated beneath the Bodhi tree. When his mind achieved a profound state of purity through concentration, it is said that he attained the Three Knowledges. The first revealed his past lives and the past lives of all beings. The second illuminated the intricate laws of karma. The third knowledge uncovered his liberation from all obstacles and attachments.
Through deep introspection, the Buddha fully comprehended the nature of suffering, seeing that its root lies in our desire for permanence. Our suffering arises from clinging to what is transitory, resisting the truth that change pervades all aspects of life. When we ignore this, we remain ensnared in craving and the cycle of suffering. Embracing impermanence is therefore not only vital, but at the core of Buddhist liberation.
The suttas recount a time when the Buddha hesitated to teach the Dhamma. It was the Brahmin Sahampati who implored him, saying, “Teach the Dhamma, O Blessed One: There will be those who will understand.” Moved by compassion, the Buddha scanned the world and saw that some would indeed comprehend his teachings, prompting him to share his insights.
Thus, the Buddha imparted the Four Noble Truths:
- There is suffering.
- Suffering arises from craving, clinging, and aversion.
- There is a path leading out of suffering.
- This path is known as the Noble Eightfold Path.
Impermanence plays a crucial role in this framework. While impermanence itself does not cause suffering, our reactions to change can lead to distress. Until we become adept at accepting this truth, we may not be ready to attain enlightenment. Recall the third knowledge attained by the Buddha beneath the Bodhi tree: he was free of obstacles and released from attachments.
In previous discussions during our time together, we acknowledged that grief often stems from clinging to a person, place, thing, pet, or situation. Conversely, aversion also arises – our refusal to accept losing someone or facing a challenging circumstance. Once again, impermanence weaves through this experience.
However, the Buddha’s intent was not merely to elucidate impermanence; it was to guide us toward enlightenment and liberation, just as he achieved. His decision to share his teachings stemmed from a desire to help all beings find freedom from suffering.
As articulated in AN IV 245:3, “And how is liberation its core? Here, the teachings have been shared to facilitate the utter destruction of suffering. Through liberation, one experiences these teachings as I have imparted to my disciples, leading to the complete cessation of suffering. This, indeed, is how liberation serves as its essence.”
The Buddha understood that if we could free ourselves from obstacles and attachments, we, too, could experience this liberation. True liberation signifies an end to rebirth and the cycle of suffering.
At one point, I found solace in the notion of rebirth, using it as a coping mechanism when faced with the prospect of not seeing someone again. This belief made it easier when friends moved away or colleagues departed. By convincing myself that I would likely reunite with them in another life, I temporarily eased my sadness.
Initially, this mindset was beneficial. As I delved deeper into my Buddhist practice, reflecting on the losses of key family members and conversing with Buddhist teachers about death and grief, I gradually recognized the flaws in my thinking.
During a conversation with my teacher, I asked, “Is it better to celebrate death while mourning birth?” I anticipated validation, but instead, he gently reminded me that one cannot predict the nature of a person’s rebirth. What if they were to be reborn in a less fortunate realm? He encouraged me to wish for others that they may not return at all.
In this context, I realized I was clinging to the idea of rebirth as a way to avoid genuine grief. I used it as a defense mechanism, thinking, “I need not grieve, for we shall meet again.” Yet, this only created another layer of suffering for me and hindered my acceptance of the ever-present reality of impermanence.
To truly achieve liberation and the cessation of suffering, we must confront the impermanence of life. Embracing our encounters with change opens a door to invaluable insights that guide us on our spiritual journey.