Impermanence after Impermanence

Lately our collective attention has been drawn to the tragedy's in various area's of the world. There is the devastation from the cyclone in Myramar (Burma). There was the earthquake in China. There have been the tornados that have swept Missouri, Oklahoma and Georgia with amazing fury. And there are people like my father-in-law who are in the hospital, a place he didn't want or expect to be. Though my heart and thoughts go out to these people, especially my father-in-law, what is it that I am reminded of? Impermanence, Impermanence, Impermanence.

There is the gatha that says and has been quoted here before:

"Let me respectfully remind you,
Life and death are of supreme importance,
Time moves swiftly like an arrow,
and opportunity is lost,
Each of us should strive to awaken,
Awaken!
Take heed. Do not squander your life."

There is nothing that it truer than this. Given this truth, it is important to make everything count. By the way, I'm not saying be "sober, serious and sober" 100% of the time, but I am saying and suggesting that it's important to live our life like we *really* mean it and not just in a frivolous way (on a regular basis).

Someone said, "The powerful play moves on and you may contribute a verse. What will that verse be?" Given that this day won't ever, ever, ever happen again, is there something that we might contribute to the overall good of our family, friends, work or community? Is there something that we can do to make a difference? Gyo, gyo, gyo! Practice, practice, practice. If there is let's do it now and not put it off.

May All Beings Be Happy and Free,

Jaye Morris, Curator
digitalZENDO