Explore the concept of impermanence and accepting change. Embrace change, develop faith, and trust yourself amidst uncertainty. Learn how trust and adaptation bring inner peace and the idea of no going back in Buddhism.
Life is transient and there is no going back to a perceived normal or ordinary world.
Develop a sense of faith and trust in oneself, the ability to adapt, and navigate through challenging or uncertain times.
Deep dives
The Concept of No-Going-Back and Impermanence
The podcast explores the concept of no-going-back and impermanence. Using the Kohan shared in the previous episode, the host discusses how an enlightened person or someone who has gained a new understanding of the world cannot simply go back to their previous way of seeing things. The analogy of a broken mirror and fallen flowers is used to illustrate this point. The host and listeners share various examples, such as seeing hidden images in paintings or becoming a parent, to emphasize how once we have a new perspective or experience, we can never fully return to our previous state of awareness. The main idea conveyed is that life is always changing, and we should embrace and adapt to these changes instead of clinging to the idea of going back to a perceived normal or ordinary world.
The Nature of Change and Acceptance
Another important insight discussed in the podcast is the recognition that life is always changing, and there is no going back. The host shares the example of the COVID-19 pandemic as a current global change that highlights the need to accept and adapt to new circumstances. It is emphasized that the idea of a normal or ordinary world is relative and ever-evolving. The host encourages listeners to develop a sense of faith and trust in themselves, their ability to adapt, and their capacity to navigate through challenging or uncertain times. The importance of changing our relationship with emotions, rather than trying to avoid or suppress them, is also highlighted.
Embracing Reality and Trusting the Process
The host concludes by highlighting the importance of accepting and embracing the present moment and the reality of constant change. By recognizing that there is no going back, listeners are encouraged to maintain an adaptable mindset and trust in their own ability to navigate life's challenges. This trust is not focused on being able to control or predict outcomes, but on the capacity to skillfully adapt and find a way forward, even in the face of uncertainty. The topic of trust also extends to having confidence in one's ability to sit with and understand their own emotions, rather than seeking external sources of assurance. The overall message emphasizes the need to embrace change, have faith in oneself, and find peace in the midst of life's ever-unfolding journey.
A key Buddhist principle is a recognition that things are always changing. Life is transient. When we have the feeling of wanting things to return back to normal, we need to remember that normal was always relative, there is no going back.