Impermanence

Impermanence (Tib. mitakpa; mi rtag pa) is of two kinds: the coarse impermanence of a given continuum and the subtle impermanence of momentary change.

Reflecting on Death and Impermanence

1) Death is Certain

a) Death can not be avoided

b) Life can not be extended; it is always diminishing

c) Even while we are alive there is little time for practice

2) The Time of Death is Uncertain

a) Our lifespan is not fixed

b) There are many causes of death, and few for sustaining life

c) The body is very fragile

3) At the Time of Death, only Dharma can help us

a) Our friends can not help us

b) Our resources can not help us

c) Our body can not help us

--Based on Je Tsongkhapa’s Lamrim Chenmo.