Significance of Impermanence
Synonyms: Transience, Evanescence, Instability, Changeability, Mutability, Momentariness
In French: Impermanence; In Dutch: Vergankelijkheid; In Finnish: Pysymättömyyttä; In Spanish: Impermanencia; In German: Unbeständigkeit; In Swedish: Obeständighet; In Malay: Ketidakkekalan; In Portugese: Impermanência; In Italian: Impermanenza; In Polish: Nietrwałość
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) Impermanence, or anityata, is a key characteristic of conditioned dharmas in the shravaka system, leading to the belief that things of impermanent nature are not to be retained, which explains the limited use of dharanis.[1] (2) It is associated with a specific aspect and does not penetrate into the threefold world; it produces a mind of disgust.[2] (3) It is a characteristic of sounds, indicating their lack of permanence, as they change and eventually disappear.[3] (4) This always follows conditioned dharmas.[4] (5) The quality of being transitory and subject to change, applicable to the body, feelings, mind, and dharmas.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The state of not lasting forever, described as something that, if killed, leads to eternal Nirvana, suggesting a path to liberation through understanding the transient nature of existence.[6] (2) The fundamental Buddhist concept that all phenomena are transient and subject to change.[7] (3) Impermanence is a fundamental Buddhist concept indicating that all phenomena are transient, underscoring the need for mindfulness and detachment from worldly attachments.[8] (4) The fundamental nature of all forms, feelings, perception, volition, and consciousness, demonstrating that nothing is permanent.[9] (5) A fundamental characteristic of all things, indicating that they are subject to change and that nothing is permanent.[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: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) It discerns the impermanence in all conditioned things.[17] (2) The concept that all conditioned things are transient and subject to change.[18]
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.[19]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The fundamental Buddhist concept that all things are transient, underscoring the importance of making good deeds while alive.[20]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) This refers to the need to meditate on impermanence, which is a thought that arises in the mind of a bodhisattva.[21]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Cultivating the perception of "Impermanence" leads to spiritual progress and prevents decline among bhikkhus, suggesting it is a key element for advancement.[22] (2) The aggregates of corporeality, sensation, perception, volitional activities, and consciousness do not last long, they arise and perish in no time.[23] (3) It is also known as anicca, and when it is contemplated, all mental phenomena are comprehended.[24] (4) 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.[25] (5) The concept that all conditioned things are subject to change and are ultimately unsubstantial.[26]
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.[27] (2) A characteristic of all conditioned phenomena, indicating that everything is subject to change and decay.[28] (3) The realization that all beings are subject to change and death, leading to Kisagotami's spiritual awakening.[29] (4) The fundamental Buddhist concept that all things, including life itself, are subject to change and ultimately come to an end.[30] (5) The Buddhist principle that all things are transient, which includes the Buddha's life and teachings.[31]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) The inherent transitory nature of all experiences and phenomena.[32] (2) The teachings that all conditioned phenomena are transient and temporary, an essential insight on the path to enlightenment.[33] (3) The quality of being transient and subject to change, a key concept in understanding the nature of elements.[34] (4) Impermanence highlights the transient nature of all experiences, emphasizing that nothing lasts and should not be considered self.[35] (5) Impermanence refers to the characteristic of all phenomena arising and falling away, which applies to both nama and rupa.[36]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The nature of all things to arise and pass away, influencing the way attachment can lead to suffering.[37] (2) The fundamental characteristic of all phenomena, indicating that they arise and cease without permanence.[38] (3) The notion that all conditioned realities are transient and do not last, integral to the teachings of the Buddha.[39] (4) The understanding that all worldly conditions are transient, contributing to feelings of aversion when changes occur.[40] (5) The Buddhist concept that all conditioned realities, including emotions and qualities, are transient and subject to change.[41]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The characteristic that indicates that aggregates are transient and constantly changing.[42] (2) The inherent quality of all formations to change and cease existing.[43] (3) The characteristic that all states are transient, continually arising and passing away, indicating that nothing remains unchanged over time.[44]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A concept indicating that all things are transient and not permanent, which mankind fails to recognize.[45] (2) A central tenet in Buddhist thought that everything is transient and subject to change, illustrated by the metaphor of the cloth becoming soiled.[46]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The quality of being temporary and subject to change as embraced in Buddhist philosophy.[47] (2) The inherent quality of all things in existence to change and eventually cease, which is a key aspect of material phenomena.[48]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The fundamental nature of existence that everything, including life and experiences, is subject to change and ultimately dissolution.[49] (2) The fundamental Buddhist concept that all phenomena are transient and subject to change, leading to inherent suffering.[50]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) This is a key characteristic of the five aggregates, and the text emphasizes the need to understand their impermanent nature to avoid suffering, as described in the text.[51] (2) The quality of being transient as discussed in Abhidhamma; everything is viewed as changing and not permanent.[52]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A key concept in Buddhism that the Tathagata contemplated, leading to the end of suffering.[53]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The concept that all component things are subject to dissolution, which the Arahats recognized to maintain their composure.[54]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) One of the three characteristics of existence, highlighting that all phenomena are transient and subject to change.[55]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) This is a fundamental characteristic of samsara, highlighting the transient and ever-changing nature of all phenomena within the three realms.[56] (2) The quality of being temporary and not lasting; the body is described as impermanent, emphasizing that it cannot be depended upon.[57] (3) The nature of life that indicates everything must be left behind, including attachments and worldly possessions.[58] (4) The understanding that all phenomena are temporary; awareness of this contributes to sadness and the motivation to meditate.[59] (5) The understanding that all things are transient, which is fundamental to Buddhist teachings and encourages practitioners to focus on spiritual goals.[60]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The fundamental quality of all phenomena, indicating that everything is in constant change and without a lasting essence.[61] (2) The concept that all things are in a constant state of change and do not last indefinitely.[62] (3) A fundamental quality indicating that all things are transient, which leads to understanding suffering and the nature of self.[63] (4) The characteristic of all phenomena indicating that they are transient and ever-changing.[64] (5) The nature of all things being temporary and subject to change, as understood in relation to self, body, mind, and the world.[65]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The concept highlighted by Ratthapala, pointing out the transient nature of life and worldly possessions.[66] (2) The Buddhist concept that all conditioned things are temporary and subject to change, as discussed by the Buddha.[67] (3) The concept realized by the king, highlighted through the transformation of the coral tree, illustrating that all things undergo change.[68]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A fundamental aspect of all things, characterized by quick birth and quick death, leading to sorrows, contrasted with the joy found only in Nirvana.[69] (2) The Buddhist concept of the transitory nature of life, highlighted by the prince’s reflections.[70]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This is a key concept in Buddhism, contrasted with the lasting nature of material objects and inscriptions.[71] (2) This is a fundamental Buddhist concept, and all conditioned factors are impermanent by nature, as they arise and cease from moment to moment, and it is also connected to the concept of samtana.[72]
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.[73]
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.[74]
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.[75]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The concept expressed regarding the transient nature of the body and experiences associated with them.[76]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The quality of being subject to change, linked with the transient nature of worldly phenomena.[77]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) An epithet that cannot be applied to unborn Jivas from the standpoint of the Ultimate Reality.[78]
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.[79]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A fundamental concept in Buddhism, indicating that all things are transient, including health.[80]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) It is nothing more than the power which is not different from the eternal reality.[81]
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) Impermanence is one of the three universal truths in Buddhism, indicating that everything in the world is passing, transitory, and changing.[82] (2) The characteristic of all phenomena that are transient and subject to change, a central theme in Buddhist teachings.[83] (3) The notion that all things are transient and subject to change, leading to the understanding that attachment can lead to sorrow.[84]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) A central concept highlighted by passing away, reminding individuals of the transient nature of existence, as taught.[85]
The concept of Impermanence in scientific sources
Impermanence, a Buddhist concept, highlights the inconstant and interdependent nature of the self. This understanding promotes peace by embracing multiplicity and diversity.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) A Buddhist concept that the self is always inconstant and interdependent, helping individuals find peace amidst multiplicity and diversity.[86]