Impermanence: A Universal Truth

From Buddhism Teachings 

Various concepts from Buddhist teachings are useful and practical from psychological view point. Among'st these, concept of “Impermanence" are being discussed here. As mentioned n Buddhism the cause of various Dukhas is cravings (which lead to clinging) for sensations, perceptions, beliefs, expectations, opinions, rituals images of self and model of reality. Also, it has been explained that if we want to get rid from our dukhas we need to terminate our craving or clinging to these subjective or materialistic  objects. 

Now the question arises, “How one can cease clinging”? The answer is- we need to understand the universal truth of Impermanence. We all know that everything in his world is mortal. Either it is an object or any organism. All that born or be created or existed in this universe has to be died or cease or change. The world around us always keeps on changing. It is not static. It is progressive. Even our body keep on changing every second. We grow, mature and then die. Our cities, our countries our earth, moreover, the whole universe (the planets, stars or galaxies) are changing every second.

If every thing in this universe is impermanent, then why one should have craving or clinging to a particular object, situation or events.  Let  us take two examples:

You buy a new car. You like your new car very much. You take care of it, say you fall in love with your new car. After some years of its use when the life of car comes to an end what you do? Of course, you will replace it. You shall buy a new car. You have to part your clinging and accept new change.

You have one of your favourite shirt or jean. You always like to wear it with great passion. How long it remain with you? After all it will tear. Finally you have to say goodbye to it, and to accept another dress.

But in our day to day life we find it very hard to accept new changes. Whenever there is a small change in either our personal, social, interpersonal or occupational life we disappoint  We still want that old thing. We expect, every thing should remain same. If we cling to our past (any thing in question) or unable to accept the new or changed situation, it hurt and creates lot of problems in life like anxiety, depression, frustration, stress and adjustment issues.

Whether the change is at personal level (physical change, change in thoughts, change in family, job, environment, relationship)  or at social level i.e. change in values, culture, norms, ethics etc., one has to accept these changes to keep ourselves in state of harmony with oneself or with our environment.