As time passes, we now move on from our look at the Eightfold Path, for the cherry blossoms are abloom here in Japan today. Spring has come. So, I would like to turn our attention to another fundamental of the Buddha’s teachings:
Impermanence… No composite thing will last, and all are ever changing.
Traditionally in Japan, the Sakura, the soft leaves of the cherry blossom tree which last but a few days, have symbolized the coming of new life in Spring, the ephemerality of that life and beauty, and the sad impermanence of all things as they flutter to the ground. We may be tempted to say that, because things are impermanent, there is suffering. But no less, because there is change and death, there is birth and life in nature. Ōtagaki Rengetsu (太田垣 蓮月), the great 19th century poet and Pure Land Buddhist nun, wrote:
Cherry blossoms
Fall at the peak of their beauty
In this world
To teach our hearts
To be free of attachment
Fall at the peak of their beauty
In this world
To teach our hearts
To be free of attachment
Impermanence is both the root of suffering, and the doorway to freedom when seen with a Buddha’s eyes.
CLICK HERE for today’s Sit-A-Long video.
Remember: recording ends soon after the beginning bells; a sitting time of 15 to 35 minutes is recommended.
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