Illusion and Impermanence

by Lama Dudjom Dorjee

Everything that appears depends on causes and conditions for its existence; therefore, anything that begins in creation must end in decay and destruction. Whatever object we examine, as long as the cause and conditions for the arising of its appearance are there, its nature is impermanence. Nothing that has taken birth may escape death. Furthermore, anything appearing in the external world is impermanent in nature. In particular, we should regard our own lives as impermanent. With the passing of every second, minute, hour, and day we move closer and closer to death — the ultimate illustration of our own impermanence. This realisation should not serve to paralyse us with fear; on the contrary, it should give us the necessary motivation to practice the dharma with even more exertion and enthusiasm in preparation for our own death.