An Eastern perspective on change.

Summary

In Buddhist philosophy, change and impermanence are fundamental to existence, and suffering arises from ignorance of this reality. Recognizing and appreciating this process leads to enlightenment and genuine happiness. The rapidity of change creates illusions of solidity, continuity, self, and ego. Mere intellectual understanding is insufficient; experiential training, expanded consciousness, and attitudes like kindness and compassion are needed. Learning to delight in change benefits both the ultimate goal of liberation from rebirth and everyday life, making living and dying enjoyable.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In Eastern, particularly Buddhist, thinking the process of change and impermanence is an integral part of existence. All suffering in life is the result of ignorance of this basic reality. A deeper awareness and appreciation of this fact leads to enlightenment and real happiness. It is the rapidity of change that is responsible for the illusory processes that create the sense of solidity, continuity, permanence, entity, agency, self or ego. Thus, the mind is able to mix the real with the unreal. In reality, there are merely processes. However, mere intellectual understanding of this is not enough. It requires experiential understanding through the expansion of consciousness and attention to these processes. It also requires experiential training, appropriate attitudes (such as kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity) and development which is often gradual. Thus, learning to appreciate and delight in the existential process of change is at the heart of the Buddhist approach. It is beneficial not only in the long run (i.e., leading to enlightenment and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, the ultimate purpose of life) but also in the short term (i.e., by making living and dying enjoyable).