Permanence and Impermanence: Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju

During the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, we are blessed with profound guidance. Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers us a clear distinction between the fleeting nature of our world and the eternal truth of our true self, illuminating the path to awakening.

The Truth of Impermanence

What is unchanging is called Permanence. Conversely, what is subject to change is called Impermanence. Impermanence is the fundamental truth of the cycle of reincarnation. There is not a single moment that remains static; everything is in a state of constant, instantaneous flux.

The world we inhabit is defined by this impermanence. Human life, the affairs of the world, and our very experiences are all caught in this flow. Consider the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death. Consider the shifting tides of our emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. We pass through these experiences within the realm of impermanence.

The Cycle of Karma

At every moment, we are caught in a state of motion and uncertainty. It is precisely because of this instability that our karma manifests and the cycle of reincarnation continues. Suffering arises because we are tethered to these shifting conditions. When we do not understand the nature of impermanence, we become lost in the turbulence of the world.

The Eternal Nature of the True Self

In contrast, Permanence is something that is inherent within our true self. It does not change due to the constraints of time or space. It remains eternally in a state of tranquil, stable stillness.

This state of permanence is a profound meditative concentration that is not swayed by external circumstances. To be as constant and unmoving as a mountain—this is what we call Permanence. It is the reality of the Universal Principles.

Aligning with the Truth

When you align your life with this state of Permanence, you will eventually reach the moment of becoming an awakened being. By letting go of the fleeting and embracing the eternal, you return to your true nature. This message was recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe, who served as the chief writer.