Significance of Impermanence
Synonyms: Transience, Evanescence, Instability, Changeability, Mutability, Momentariness
In French: Impermanence; In Dutch: Vergankelijkheid; In Finnish: 笔测蝉测尘盲迟迟枚尘测测迟迟盲; In Spanish: Impermanencia; In German: 鲍苍产别蝉迟盲苍诲颈驳办别颈迟; In Swedish: 翱产别蝉迟盲苍诲颈驳丑别迟; In Malay: Ketidakkekalan
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Impermanence'
Impermanence in Buddhism encompasses the fundamental teaching that all phenomena are transient and subject to change, emphasizing that nothing is permanent. This understanding is crucial for acknowledging the nature of existence and reducing attachment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The quality of being transitory and subject to change, applicable to the body, feelings, mind, and dharmas.[1] (2) The nature of all dharmas that they are transient and subject to change, recognized by the bodhisattva.[2] (3) The understanding that all things change, which helps individuals remain indifferent to attachment.[3] (4) A central theme in Buddhist philosophy signifying the transient nature of all things.[4] (5) An essential Buddhist concept indicating that all things are transient, leading to the understanding that attachment to sensory joys results in suffering.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The fundamental Buddhist concept that all phenomena are transient and subject to change.[6] (2) Impermanence is a fundamental Buddhist concept indicating that all phenomena are transient, underscoring the need for mindfulness and detachment from worldly attachments.[7] (3) The fundamental nature of all forms, feelings, perception, volition, and consciousness, demonstrating that nothing is permanent.[8] (4) A fundamental characteristic of all things, indicating that they are subject to change and that nothing is permanent.[9] (5) The doctrine that all things are in a constant state of flux and change, which is central to Buddhist philosophy.[10]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A fundamental Buddhist principle that highlights the transient nature of all phenomena.[11] (2) A central concept in Buddhism highlighting the transient nature of all phenomena, relating to the life cycle of beings.[12] (3) A crucial Buddhist concept depicted in the Exalted One's address, asserting that all phenomena are transient, including body and consciousness.[13]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The concept Vimalakirti revealed, indicating that all things are transient and not durable.[14] (2) The doctrine that all things are in a constant state of change and do not last.[15] (3) The state of being transient and subject to change.[16]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A fundamental Buddhist concept referring to the transient nature of life, emphasizing that death can come unexpectedly and should motivate spiritual diligence.[17]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The fundamental Buddhist concept that all things are transient, underscoring the importance of making good deeds while alive.[18]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The concept that all conditioned things are transient and subject to change.[19]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The transient nature of all things, which the young monk perceived as he watched the lotus flower wither and change color.[20] (2) A characteristic of all conditioned phenomena, indicating that everything is subject to change and decay.[21] (3) The realization that all beings are subject to change and death, leading to Kisagotami's spiritual awakening.[22] (4) The fundamental Buddhist concept that all things, including life itself, are subject to change and ultimately come to an end.[23] (5) The Buddhist principle that all things are transient, which includes the Buddha's life and teachings.[24]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) The inherent transitory nature of all experiences and phenomena.[25] (2) The teachings that all conditioned phenomena are transient and temporary, an essential insight on the path to enlightenment.[26] (3) The quality of being transient and subject to change, a key concept in understanding the nature of elements.[27] (4) Impermanence highlights the transient nature of all experiences, emphasizing that nothing lasts and should not be considered self.[28] (5) Impermanence refers to the characteristic of all phenomena arising and falling away, which applies to both nama and rupa.[29]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The concept the Buddha wishes to impart to his bhikkhus by showing them the glory of the Licchavi princes, indicating that no status is permanent.[30] (2) The concept that all conditioned things are subject to change and are ultimately unsubstantial.[31] (3) The fundamental Buddhist teaching underscored by Gotami Theri in her last words, emphasizing the transient nature of all phenomena.[32] (4) A key concept in the Buddha's teachings highlighting that all conditioned phenomena are transient and not self.[33] (5) A key Buddhist teaching that all conditioned things are subject to change and decay; some devas contemplate this truth to bear the Buddha's passing.[34]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The nature of all things to arise and pass away, influencing the way attachment can lead to suffering.[35] (2) The fundamental characteristic of all phenomena, indicating that they arise and cease without permanence.[36] (3) The notion that all conditioned realities are transient and do not last, integral to the teachings of the Buddha.[37] (4) The understanding that all worldly conditions are transient, contributing to feelings of aversion when changes occur.[38] (5) The Buddhist concept that all conditioned realities, including emotions and qualities, are transient and subject to change.[39]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The characteristic that indicates that aggregates are transient and constantly changing.[40] (2) The inherent quality of all formations to change and cease existing.[41] (3) The characteristic that all states are transient, continually arising and passing away, indicating that nothing remains unchanged over time.[42]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A concept indicating that all things are transient and not permanent, which mankind fails to recognize.[43] (2) A central tenet in Buddhist thought that everything is transient and subject to change, illustrated by the metaphor of the cloth becoming soiled.[44]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The quality of being temporary and subject to change as embraced in Buddhist philosophy.[45] (2) The inherent quality of all things in existence to change and eventually cease, which is a key aspect of material phenomena.[46]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The fundamental nature of existence that everything, including life and experiences, is subject to change and ultimately dissolution.[47] (2) The fundamental Buddhist concept that all phenomena are transient and subject to change, leading to inherent suffering.[48]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A key concept in Buddhism that the Tathagata contemplated, leading to the end of suffering.[49]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The quality of being transient as discussed in Abhidhamma; everything is viewed as changing and not permanent.[50]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The concept that all component things are subject to dissolution, which the Arahats recognized to maintain their composure.[51]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) One of the three characteristics of existence, highlighting that all phenomena are transient and subject to change.[52]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The quality of being temporary and not lasting; the body is described as impermanent, emphasizing that it cannot be depended upon.[53] (2) The nature of life that indicates everything must be left behind, including attachments and worldly possessions.[54] (3) The understanding that all phenomena are temporary; awareness of this contributes to sadness and the motivation to meditate.[55] (4) The understanding that all things are transient, which is fundamental to Buddhist teachings and encourages practitioners to focus on spiritual goals.[56] (5) The transient nature of all phenomena that evolve in time and space, contrasting with the permanence of ultimate truths.[57]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The fundamental quality of all phenomena, indicating that everything is in constant change and without a lasting essence.[58] (2) The concept that all things are in a constant state of change and do not last indefinitely.[59] (3) A fundamental quality indicating that all things are transient, which leads to understanding suffering and the nature of self.[60] (4) The characteristic of all phenomena indicating that they are transient and ever-changing.[61] (5) The nature of all things being temporary and subject to change, as understood in relation to self, body, mind, and the world.[62]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The concept highlighted by Ratthapala, pointing out the transient nature of life and worldly possessions.[63] (2) The Buddhist concept that all conditioned things are temporary and subject to change, as discussed by the Buddha.[64] (3) The concept realized by the king, highlighted through the transformation of the coral tree, illustrating that all things undergo change.[65]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The Buddhist concept of the transitory nature of life, highlighted by the prince鈥檚 reflections.[66]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A feeling of sorrow towards the fleeting nature of existence, highlighted in the context of religious understanding.[67]
Hindu concept of 'Impermanence'
In Hinduism, Impermanence emphasizes the transient nature of the body, worldly phenomena, and divine positions, highlighting that all entities are temporary and subject to change, aligning with similar concepts in Buddhism.
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Refers to the inherent quality of entities being temporary and transient in nature.[68]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The quality of being temporary or transient, which is a flaw attributed to knowledge when it is linked with other-dependence.[69]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The concept expressed regarding the transient nature of the body and experiences associated with them.[70]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The quality of being subject to change, linked with the transient nature of worldly phenomena.[71]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The state of being transient, referring to the physical body and its elements which face dissolution over time.[72]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A fundamental concept in Buddhism, indicating that all things are transient, including health.[73]
The concept of Impermanence in local and regional sources
Impermanence emphasizes that all things are transient, fostering awareness that attachment may cause sorrow. This central concept in Buddhism highlights the temporary nature of phenomena, urging a deeper understanding of change and its implications.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The characteristic of all phenomena that are transient and subject to change, a central theme in Buddhist teachings.[74] (2) The notion that all things are transient and subject to change, leading to the understanding that attachment can lead to sorrow.[75]