dc.description.abstract | The main concern of this paper aims to examine the process and effect of Impermanence Teaching(anitya dharma-paryaya). Before getting into the core of the subject, we will clarify the definition of impermanence, then distinguish between the correct and incorrect views of impermanence, thereafter identify the position of Impermanence Teaching in Samyutagama, thus confirm the necessity and importance in the establishment of Impermanence Teaching.
Among all sufferings (duhkha), the suffering caused by impermanence is common for all sentient beings and is most tormenting. We should understand the reality of suffering as it is, observe its origins, and do not dwell in the feeling of suffering. According to Samyutagama, we are able to set ourselves free from the binding of suffering. This ability comes from two elements, namely observing ,or analytical meditation and udvega(i.e. to be fed up with the worldly lifestyle). As for the process of Impermanence Teaching, it is mainly observing and analyzing the five aggregates(skandhas) of sentient beings; whereas the arising of nirvana is to deal with the desires arises in the mind.
Regarding the effect of Impermanence Teaching, two issues will be discussed. (1)Liberation from the samsara. Understanding more details about the essential meaning of liberation in Impermanence Teaching will lead sentient beings away from suffering and towards cessation of suffering, transcend the mundane world towards supramundane world, and transmigrate from life and death towards neither life nor death(i.e. nirvana). (2)Experiencing the joy and tranquility in the present moment. If someone does not accept the doctrine of samsara, without using the Samyutagama’s reasoning method, he could still enjoy the benefits of Impermanence Teaching, i.e. the absolute calm and tranquil, only if he could practice diligently.
By means of the Samyutagama’s Impermanence Teaching alone, it could not resolve all the worldly suffering. Its effects are solely on counteracting the suffering with mental origin, its method is mainly to change and purify the mind. Thus we will finally examine the question “how could the Impermanence Teaching be possible?” | en_US |