Impermanence is a fundamental Buddhist teaching that seems so easily understood in concept, and yet is so difficult to grasp and incorporate in life. I'm no philosopher, and I hardly ever make it in to service on Sundays, but I like to think that, in some small insignificant way, I try to incorporate Buddhism in to my every day life.
To me, impermanence is about letting go of attachment. It's about forgiveness, and it's about moving on. Also, I think it's really about ourselves - we are not permanent. We often forget that, and when we're reminded of it, or when we're forced to accept it, it can be at best an uncomfortable moment, and at worst - tortuous.
We experience impermanence in daily life. It looks at us as we drive by dilapidated buildings, it wafts into our noses in the form of a dying flower arrangement that adorns our work or living space, and it occasionally jolts us in our seats when we pass over road kill. We usually don't take a second look. Even deaths in the family seem inevitable and something we won't have to face in the near future - at least not for ourselves. It's when we lose the precious things, the ones we never thought to miss because they were always supposed to be there, that Impermanence comes and does a tango on our backside.
An acquaintance of mine was recently murdered. Brutally stabbed and left to die in the street. He was younger than me, healthy, attractive, always a lively and fun person to be around. I didn't know him well. We knew one another well enough to say hi, and we had mutual friends, but that's about it. Still, even though we weren't close personal friends, I feel a sense of loss.
He was so much to so many people, and just like that - he's gone. I don't understand. I suppose that's the point though. Life is not a simple progression. Life is... unpredictable. It can take twists and turns that no one would expect, and it can all come to an abrupt end for no rhyme or reason. The choice really is what we do with that time. Live each day like its your last. I've heard that so many times. I wonder if it will ever sink in.
Bobby - if it is true that we are judged based on how we lived our lives, then I know you're in good hands. You were always a joy to be around, and brought smiles not only to your friends, but to the faces of people who hardly even knew you. I know a few who are really devastated by your loss, and I hope they find strength in the memories that you share. Impermanence teaches us that things like this happen, however it is up to us to make sure that your loss was not in vain. If we ever find ourselves crossing paths again in this universe, or any other, I'd be honored to share your company.
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