Zen Buddhism and Change

Hi!

     Today I wanted to discuss what is probably the most important concept in Zen and Buddhism. In fact it's probably the most important concept that humans have ever developed. The concept is not new to Zen Buddhism and in fact has been realized multiple times in human history. This concept is also the hardest one to fold into and remain aware of in a daily practice.

     CHANGE ( Of course everyone already "knows" this so why examine it right?)

     A six letter word that represents the status of the universe as we know it. Everything changes. It all morphs, evolves, moves, vibrates, twitches, and slides along. Change effects everything from human thought to the solar system to time itself. And as Zen Buddhism reflects change is the most important thing to realize about our place in the universe.

     WHY?

     Well it's a matter of having true Perspective. Can you feel the difference between being aware of how everything is temporary or having the feelings that certain special things are universal and unchanging? One is in line with the universe as we know it. The other is a "belief" system. And it's entirely OK to have a belief system as long as you are aware that it's not a truth.

     Internalizing the idea and process of change gives us a remarkable ride during our time spent in the universe. The idea that everything changes all the time is the basis for the Noble Truths that Buddhists use as a starting point in the Buddhist belief system. Whenever we hang onto anything in the universe it becomes a lost cause and we become dissatisfied. Sometimes we don't realize that we are trying to stop change by applying an emotional and psychological "halt" to time.  Life is change and when we deny change we encounter resistance. The energy of change becomes a force that we may be deluded into thinking we have some control over. When we lose energy trying to stop change we inevitably experience some dissatisfaction and we can generate helpless and hopeless feelings. Change just is. Change is life. Change is the energy that moves everything in time.

     During the next "event" that occurs in your life see if you can't stay with the truth of change. Experience what is happening moment by moment realizing that it's going to change. The labels good and bad start to take on less power and the label of "interesting" becomes predominant. Life is ultimately interesting. The labels we use both good and bad are rarely accurate but more of a statement of opinion on an event. Life is not truly good or bad just interesting. And so it should be.

     Something to be aware of when we accept change as a prime principle. We cannot talk in terms of stasis or absolute. If we, with all our hearts, declare that we want everyone to be happy, safe, at peace, and/or any other permanent state of being it's not going to happen. Of course like a lot of things it's a nice sentiment and the meaning has status and relays a kind message. More realistic is that we want others to have the experience as temporary as it may be. This is an extremely powerful way to view the world we live in.

     The idea that every event is momentary gives us good reason to experience that event with every focus that we can give it. Once it's lived it's cycle it's gone and the next event occurs. My "belief" system is that keeping this in awareness is a remarkable way to go through life. I experience the power and energy of the experience but there is no drain on my system. In fact I have more energy that I can direct towards my awareness practice and exploring the give and take of the underlying mystery of existence. I experience the billions of forms of feelings and thoughts, nothing is ever repeated and everything is always new and fresh.

     All comments and thoughts are welcome so please let me know what you're thinking!            

Bryan S.Wagner