Impermanence

Q: Does everything change?

A: Yes, around us. Within us. When I was a student, my political orientation was left-wing. As my children grew, my living costs grew too and I realized the costs have gotten more expensive: clothing, books, entertainment, food. I want lower tax and my political orientation is more right-wing now.

Q: I am not sure if left-wing and right-wing dichotomy is relevant now, given there are not many socialist countries that thrive. That by the way is a change and it will keep changing.

A: You're right. I haven't run for a month and yesterday I ran. My right knee now feels sore. If I don't keep exercising regularly, my knee changes to a weaker state. Nothing is permanent.

Q: Why is nothing is permanent?

A: Because at least this world moves in cycle. We were born, grew up, and will die. We often think of this cycle as something that moves in time. But cycle moves in space as well. Countries that were dominant - Iraq, Egypt, more recently Portugal and Spain - now are no longer. History can teach us a lot of things, if only we were willing to read and listen.

Q: Isn't it obvious?

A: It is, as a knowledge, but it is so difficult to practice it. We cling so much to what we have. Everything. As if things would not change. The other day as I pack my books for my new adventure, I found out I clung so much to my books. I had a hard time picking ones that are truly important.

Q: Ha ha ha, that's funny. And you certainly thought other people clung more to their stuff - be they jewelry, clothing, or food.

A: Precisely, I had previously believed I didn't have a lot of attachment. But I did. It is always easier to criticize other people than recognizing my own weaknesses.

Q: Do you suggest that to have no attachment is the sure-fire way to deal with impermanence?

A: Yes, I feel that way. Having no attachment to anything is like anticipating the impermanence that surrounds us. It is the most natural response to impermanence.