Anicca (impermanence, 無常)
Things are changing all the time; everything is subject to change.
We are dissatisfied and angered when that which we ‘like’ changes or vanishes, which causes us to suffer. We have to accept the impermanent nature of all phenomena, that all things are subject to change.
The earth is changing. The body is changing. The mind is changing.
Our relationships constantly evolve.
The sun rises each day, but its trajectory, position, and the composition of the sun itself is different moment-to-moment, day-to-day.
Human beings are born and then subject to aging, illness, and death. Every morning our face looks the same, yet the cells from which it is composed are forever changing. We are constantly in flux.
Sometimes we understand change to be a positive; other times we see it as bad. Nevertheless, the impermanence of all phenomena persists. This we must accept. We cannot hold anything that is subject to change. When we try to hold and attach ourselves to impermanent phenomena we cause suffering within ourselves.
When we practice vipassana we keep in mind the three interrelated characteristics of phenomena that we face ceaselessly and limitlessly:
Anicca (impermanence, 無常)
Dukkha (dissatisfaction, 苦)
Anatta (non-ego, 無我)
May you understand Anicca in your life and attain Wisdom!
May you be blessed and happy through Dhamma!
With Metta,
Ayyā Kosallā & Mahāpajāpatī Bhikkhunī Sangha
Edited by Max Montgomery
If you have any questions related to dhamma, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at bhikkhuni.kosalla@gmail.com. We will answer your questions and include them in future Dhamma Letters.
Bhikkuni Kosalla Vipassini is the Abbess of Mahapajapati Monastery in Pioneertown, California. For monastery updates, please see Mahapajapati’s Facebook. Donations are gratefully accepted, whether you volunteer your time, offer funds, or provide needed requisites for the monastics. If you are inspired to donate, you may do so here.
Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !