Impermanence means that as things in life change, we are able to change with them.*
“Oh Tenzin, when I knelt before you in 1996 to capture your image, I wish I would have summoned the courage to ask you your personal views of impermanence. I like your definition above because it indicates that we need to make changes in response to the changes in the world. I wish I could have continued the conversation and found out what your opinion is on aporia.”
It feels natural to converse with Tenzin as I see her every time I meditate. Her presence is very reassuring.
It feels natural to converse with Tenzin as I see her every time I meditate. Her presence is very reassuring.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the best dealing with change; as I age I’m seeing how everything does change whether I like it or not. Life is easier when I don’t fight change.
But what about situations that feature an unresolvable internal contradiction – one definition of aporia?
Trees change. Some grow scraggly. Some are in the way of new landscaping projects. But to think of chopping down a dignified tree that has grown for a decade or more seems cruel treatment of a living being.
I wonder what you, Tenzin, would say? What do you readers think and say?
Please email me or leave a comment.
Please email me or leave a comment.
Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
*Into the Heart of Life (2011), Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, Pg. 7.