Passing not clinging.
Change is a law of nature. Everything changes with time. Everything alters in some way; impermanence is the nature of things. Realising nothing is permanent everything is passing, in a state of transition. Understanding this is the beginning of enlightenment. The Buddhist calls true enlightenment nirvana, a stillness of mind free of desire, aversion and delusion. The main cause of suffering is desire to possess something that is not permanent in its intrinsic nature. Realising this fact frees one from the burden of attachment.
This link to The Enthusiastic Buddhist explains further.
Everything is passing change is the very nature of life, grasping and clinging to things is the cause of much of our suffering. Fresh, new, pristine, is the fleeting pleasure that cannot be maintained, weathering, damage and disappointment follow. Everything changes, ages, dies and decays; this is nature’s interconnected cycle. Man is no exception, the fact we are all part of this cosmic soup. Interconnected with all in life we are part of the whole and at one with life. Knowing this we stop being small minded realising we are an infinitesimal part of the whole environment.
Impermanence does not diminish our enjoyment of life, it enhances it. We appreciate the present experience, enjoying the now. The fleeting present now is not wasted regretting the past or hurrying to an unknown future. Being aware of these facts and accepting them as part of life makes one realise the futility of grasping and clinging. We become more caring and sharing and the real good news is that hard-times change too.
One thing we are reluctant to apply the fact of impermanence to, is our own life. We want to be an exception to the natural law because we are attached to this form of existence. Attached to people and things we love. All the things we falsely think of as ‘mine’, in reality we own nothing. All will slip through our fingers like the sand in an hourglass, consumed by time. Me, my and mine are an illusion so deeply ingrained in our mind we have invented myths and blindly ignore the truth of impermanence.
Why are people that believe in life after death still afraid to take a chance and explore life? Clinging to life inhibits people from experiencing many joys in life. Caution is wise but fear is one of life’s poisons. Do not be afraid, most people are honest, kind and helpful, if trusted and respected. Like wild creatures, if not threatened, they will not harm you. Most feared things are no more dangerous than a picnic lunch.
Being aware and understanding calms our fears. Being aware of how our own emotions and actions effect a situation. Understanding grasping and clinging is foolish, caring and sharing is wise, a win win situation. Change is inevitable all we can do is change our ways to fit in with nature’s law of change. Change our attitude if necessary as what we give is what we get. So give life your best and life will be reciprocal.
Change is the only permanent feature of life, and your post underlines it in your own refreshing perspective, Jack…best wishes.
Thought you and many of the people that look at my blog are aware of what I am on about, it is nice to hear others unique views. I appreciate your comment, all the best to you Raj.
Jack..This is a wonderful post, and so much do I like what you have said within your wise words here I would like to reblog it..
Wonderful Truths
Love and Blessings _/\_ Sue
Thank you Sue that is a great complement. _/\_
You are welcome Jack 🙂
I have had a record number of likes on that post Sue since you reposted. 🙂
Wonderful Jack.. and well deserved too.. 🙂
Reblogged this on Dreamwalker's Sanctuary and commented:
I would like to introduce you to my friend Jack over at Jacks Jottings .. His philosophy of life is self explanatory and I am sure you will be delighted with his posts and views on life.
This post I just had to share is called Passing Pleasure.. I hope each of you enjoy a pleasurable week..
Love and Blessings Sue
Great post, great insight and great photographs!!
Thank you it is good to know my words are understood. I appreciated your feedback.
Thank you for this perfect exposition of the Buddhist doctrine of Anicca Jack.
With metta, Hariod. _/\_
Yes, life is impermanent. Attachment is the locus of human suffering.
But, since most humans will never be able to completely detach, most humans will suffer.
Suffering in part of life, but so is joy!
Death may me something else. Death may be bliss because attachment is gone.
Wonderful post Jack!
Thanks so much from the introduction Sue!
I will add my thanks to that and to you Val.
I enjoyed this post immensely! Thank you Jack for your clear explanation and the humor!
“Most feared things are no more dangerous than a picnic lunch.” That will stick with me for quite a while 🙂
Picnic lunches tend to do that, mostly around the waist line,more humour.
On a serious note thank you so much for letting me know you appreciated my post.
Solid wisdom, a summary of the existential realities of life.
I appreciate your encouraging comment.
I think it will lead me to bright ideas.
Hello,
Nice to meet you!
This message is one that is well-received by me. The pictures are lovely and very calming to look at. I found your blog via Sue Dreamwalker.
All the best to you,
Ka
We are in very good company with Sue.
I am sure we will meet again I am looking forward to visit your blog. Kind regards Jack.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment Cindy.
I realise my hypothesis on life may be incorrect.
So I keep an open mind but for me it makes life agreeable even enjoyable and often a real pleasure.
Death as you say could be bliss, free of attachment, that is a good thought. It could also be like going home back to where we came from, wherever that may have been. We just do not know we may be composted down and recycled. It could be like a good nights sleep after a hard days work.
I know you appreciate life Cindy by those great photos you post. _/\_
Hi Jack love your blog! Saw your post in Sue’s blog! I love your photos and wisdom!
Why wait! That’s what I think! Then again some things come just at the perfect time no waiting required! 😄😄
Things do seem to become easy. If we can stay calm and not be judgemental. Being accepting of things rather than getting aggravated by upsets to our plans, yes things fall into place. _/\_
Very good I like that answer! 😀
Excellent post Jack,very insightful and illuminating, in actual fact it was a refreshing read, it breaks everything down to the core of our existence.
Thank you so much for your feed back it is appreciated._/\_
Wonderful post and great photos. 🙂
Thank Linda I am pleased you took the time to comment. Time is in great demand these of modern technology. _/\_
So beautifully written…these are pearls of wisdom. I am lucky to have visited your post and credit goes to Sue for bring me here.
Very insightful and deeply inspiring thoughts.
Best Wishes…
Sue is a real inspiration of loving kindness and your kind comment is what makes blogging so rewarding.