In the aftermath of our financial loss due to the scam we had been caught in, we looked at life more soberly and realistically. One of the themes of our reflections was impermanence and death.
The following notes summarize some of our thoughts – and helped us to put the financial scam, and its resultant loss, in perspective:
We can see that everything around us changes gradually and continuously. There isn’t one thing that is not subject to this dynamic, not even ourselves.
It’s important not to waste our time in material pursuits but to use it for more fruitful endeavours toward what is really meaningful in life.
Time is very precious – if we waste it, even a little bit, that is time we could have used toward our own meaningful endeavours and also in serving others.
Whatever we own will not be of any use when we die. Whether we are wealthy or famous, when we die it makes no difference at all. Wealthy people cannot find any way of buying their way out of death.
All those who have been born in the past have died; all those born in the future will also die – due to impermanence.
Finally, death could strike any time. We are not sure when because there are so many causes.
While we do not know when we are going to die, we know for certain that we will. The daily news is filled with the untimely deaths of many.
In summary, understanding impermanence can prompt us to act in a positive way for ourselves and others.
We become aware of the need not to waste time. We are very fortunate to have a precious human birth. Having something so precious makes every instant of life count. We must not waste any.
Meditating on impermanence makes realize how time is passing quickly, stimulating our diligence and efficiency in what we do. We are able to do a lot more, and able to apply ourselves better to whatever is virtuous.
The only thing that helps us when we die is whatever virtue we have been able to accumulate during our lifetime. If we have been able to generate a lot of very positive spiritual energy, it will help us; but all our worldly possessions (or fame) won’t make a difference.
(Source: Based on Rinpoche, Khenchen Thrangu. Four Foundations of Buddhist Practice. Namo Buddha Publications. Kindle Edition.)