THE MEANING OF “IMPERMANENCE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT IN LIFE”, “RICHES DON’T LAST”, “PARTING COMES AFTER EVERY CONGREGATION”, “DEATH DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE EVEN FOR THE STRONG AND HEALTHY”
Caller: Hi Master, the Buddha once said that there are four things that are impermanent in this world and I’d like to seek your guidance on them. Firstly, on the doctrine that says, “Impermanence is the only constant in life”?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Humans have the misconception that they will live forever in this world. Can you tell me, is there such a thing that lasts forever? When you were young, you might have thought that the desk you had then belonged to you. Likewise, you thought the same about your first office desk, and that it would be yours for the rest of your life. So, are they permanent? I would imagine that by now, you would have changed your office desk countless times!
Caller: Yes, that’s right. What about the second doctrine: Riches don’t last?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Think about this: Do riches last in this world? It’s well cited that wealth does not last beyond the third generation.
Caller: That’s so true! What’s the reason behind this, Master?
Master Jun Hong Lu: The main reason is the lack of meritorious blessings. If the current generation leads a life of dissipation (splurging on great food and expensive drinks, and indulging in vices like gambling and debauchery) and abandon oneself to a life of sensual pleasure, do you even think that the next generation will still be shielded?
Caller: That’s true. What about the third tenet that says, “Parting comes after every congregation”?
Master Jun Hong Lu: There is a Chinese saying, “In this world, all banquets will ultimately be ended” which basically means at one point, all good things must come to an end.
Caller: That’s correct. What about the fourth doctrine that says, “Death does not discriminate even for the strong and healthy”?
Master Jun Hong Lu: Let me ask you this question: Will death come to those in tiptop physical conditions?
Caller: That’s for sure. One will still age.
Master Jun Hong Lu: No matter how healthy you are, it doesn’t make any difference. The final outcome remains unchanged and that is, death. This is an inescapable fact for everyone.
Caller: By putting forth these four tenets, the Buddha is trying to enlighten us on the impermanence of life and that all things are temporal in nature, and nothing lasts forever. Is that right, Master?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That’s right. Don’t ever think that death is not part of your equation, purely because you are in tiptop health condition. Even if you think, “This person and me, we have such a wonderful relationship, nothing will separate us, ever”. You know what? The Buddha says, “Separation is definite”. It’s as simple as that.
Source: Wenda20171231B 47:53, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
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