Embracing Impermanence: A New Year's Reflection by Gyalwa Shamar Rinpoche
IMPERMANENCE AND NEW YEAR WISHES The thought of impermanence, the inevitability of transformation and death, changes how you relate to everything. It is important to be mindful of it. Passing moments become days, passing days become months, passing months become years, and passing years soon turn into the passing of our very lives. There are so many things we all want to experience and do in our lives, but so little of it gets accomplished. Think about how many years can go by without you even finishing one book you have set aside to read! Life is like that. It simply passes without you noticing. Since this particular life is so precious we shouldn’t waste our time following the whims of our wandering minds. Not knowing how long we will live and with no assurance of a good future rebirth, we must value the precious time we have right now and not waste it. Source: The Path to Awakening by Gyalwa Shamar Rinpoche Keeping this precious teaching on impermanence in mind, we the devotees of Gyalwa Shamarpa would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! May there be peace and love in everyone’s lives this new year and every year that follows and may truth always prevail!
Gyalwa Shamarpa
In the profound teachings of "The Path to Awakening" by Gyalwa Shamar Rinpoche, the notion of impermanence stands as a cornerstone, challenging readers to cultivate mindfulness and a deep understanding of the inevitable transformations that life undergoes. This contemplative perspective urges individuals to reassess their relationship with time, emphasizing the transient nature of moments and the significance of cherishing the present.
The passage poignantly reflects on the relentless march of time, where passing moments seamlessly evolve into days, days into months, and months into years. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ease with which life can pass by unnoticed, akin to the unfinished books that accumulate on our shelves. Life, like these unread pages, unfolds swiftly, prompting readers to consider the preciousness of the present moment.
At its core, the teaching on impermanence urges individuals not to succumb to the whims of their wandering minds. Gyalwa Shamar Rinpoche encourages readers to recognize the value of each passing moment, highlighting the uncertainty of life's duration and the absence of assurances regarding future rebirths. This recognition forms the foundation for a call to action – an invitation to seize the precious time we have right now and not squander it on distractions or pursuits that lack true significance.
The implications of impermanence extend beyond a mere acknowledgment of life's fleeting nature; it is a profound call to prioritize meaningful experiences and purposeful living. By acknowledging the ephemeral quality of life, individuals are prompted to reevaluate their choices, placing emphasis on the pursuit of fulfillment and authenticity.
In the spirit of these teachings, the devoted followers of Gyalwa Shamarpa extend heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year. The New Year greetings carry a deeper resonance, encapsulating the essence of the teachings on impermanence. The devotees express a collective hope for peace and love to permeate the lives of everyone in the coming year and beyond. Additionally, the wish for truth to always prevail serves as a poignant aspiration for a future rooted in authenticity and genuine living.
In summary, Gyalwa Shamar Rinpoche's teachings on impermanence provide a profound framework for approaching life with mindfulness and purpose. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, these reflections invite us to embrace the fleeting nature of time, encouraging a shift in focus towards meaningful experiences and a commitment to living authentically. The New Year wishes from the devotees echo this sentiment, resonating with the hope for a future filled with peace, love, and the enduring triumph of truth.
