impermanence: contemplating death

Understanding Impermanence and Death: the second of the four reminders

From a teaching given at Dhanakosa Buddhist Retreat centre in Scotland in 2025.

Buddhist teachings emphasize the reality of impermanence and death as a fundamental aspect of life. Impermanence, or "anitya" in Sanskrit, refers to the constant change and flux of all phenomena, including the physical body, relationships, emotions, and thoughts.

The inevitability of death serves as a reminder to live in the present moment, letting go of attachments to things and people. By cultivating mindfulness and awareness of impermanence, individuals can develop a greater appreciation for the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present.

Ultimately, understanding impermanence and death is key to cultivating a deeper sense of compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness in daily life. By embracing the impermanence of all phenomena, individuals can develop a greater appreciation for the present moment and live a more authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

The quality of the recording is quite soft, so might be best listened to using headphones.

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