impermanence, noun: not lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely, transitory

Impermanence is one of the essential doctrines or three marks of existence in Buddhism. The term expresses the Buddhist notion that all of conditioned existence, without exception, is transient, or in a constant state of flux.

Even if we are not Buddhists, our own direct experience shows us that if there is one thing we can count on in life, it is impermanence. Nothing lasts forever. Everything is born and will die; everything that exists is in a constant state of passing away. There is nothing we can do to about it; this is an immutable law of existence; it is an indisputable fact of life. Everything changes, sooner or later.

There are two kinds of change, each driven by a different force. The changes we try to impose on life are driven by mind; whereas the changes life imposes on us are driven by impermanence. It’s good to grok the difference. (more…)