“Everything is changing.”
At first, this may seem like a simple fact.
But what if we call this fact an unshakable truth—something that is always correct, everywhere, for everyone?
Through a calm dialogue about change and the nature of reality,
we explore what it truly means for something to be “true,”
and how we can approach facts wisely.
The discussion begins with Anuruddha, Nānda, and Kinpira
reflecting on how everything in life constantly changes.
Everything is Changing—Is This Absolutely True?
There’s this teaching called “Everything is Changing.” I want to talk about it…
If you look at anything in this world, nothing stays the same forever. That’s just a fact.
I also learn the fact of change from the things around me—what I see, what I experience.
I see. Everything is Changing.
It shows us this undeniable truth.
Then, does that mean Everything is Changing is the truth itself?
Yes. So the teaching of Everything is Changing would remain absolutely correct and true, no matter the era, place, or country.
Indeed, the teaching that everything changes is an unshakable truth, wherever or whenever it is taught.
…
I feel that if we push it that far, we may drift away from the core of Everything is Changing.
Eh!? Really?
But it’s absolutely correct, isn’t it?
Well… but you see…
The discussion had become quite heated, voices overlapping and rising in excitement.
Seeing this, the Buddha came to observe what was happening.
Clinging to “Correct Facts”—Its Relation to Everything is Changing
Everyone, the discussion seems quite heated.
Teacher, you came at the perfect moment!
Teacher! I’m sorry… Was it a bit noisy?
No, no, it’s fine. I was listening to your discussion…
We’d love to hear your thoughts, Teacher.
All right. Let’s think about this: if someone insists that “everything always stays the same and never changing,” could we really say that’s correct?
Of course not.
Yes, I think that would be wrong too.
I cannot say it is correct.
It isn’t correct.
It’s wrong.
Exactly. Everyone answers “no.”
It cannot be called correct.
Now, consider this: if someone insists that “everything is not permanent, Everything is changing,” could we really say that’s correct?
I believe that “Everything is Changing” is correct. So, yes.
I also think “Everything is Changing” is right…
Hmm?
Wait… isn’t this question almost the same as before?
But I still think the answer is yes… huh?
I would say no.
I also don’t think we can call it correct.
The three of us—Anuruddha, Kinpira, and I—feel that something isn’t quite right.
Yes, it’s true that “Everything is Changing” is correct, and I understand why one would want to say yes—but somehow it feels off to just cling to that answer.
Why Knowing Everything is Changing Still Feels Painful
Hmm… that’s good, that’s good.
Everything is changing.
Sometimes, that very change can be painful for us humans.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Yes, I agree.
For example, even if someone is very important to me, they will change over time.
That means someday I’ll have to say goodbye.
It’s the same for things, not just people.
Even treasured possessions change. They get worn out, break, and eventually, we have to say goodbye.
Death, decay, aging, deterioration… all these happen because things are changing.
But isn’t it also because things change that we meet important people and create meaningful things?
Yes, exactly.
All of that happens precisely because everything is changing.
Now, having understood that “everything is changing,” do you think it’s possible to hold onto something forever?
To think, “This will never change, it’s eternal, it’s always mine, always by my side”?
No. Even if we cling as much as we can, the object will eventually disappear.
We cannot hold onto it forever.
To cling… that means we cannot let go, and we become dependent, right?
Would that be what is called attachment?
Yes… knowing that everything is changing means that even the thing we cling to will eventually disappear. That is painful.
Exactly. Even if the object of our clinging vanishes, if we try to hold on, it is painful.
No matter how hard we cling, everything is changing. We can’t hold onto it.
The Difference Between Cherishing and Clinging
If you realize there is nothing to cling to and stop clinging, that brings relief.
Yes… that’s true.
Have you realized what is important?
I see….
By understanding that Everything is Changing, I can see things differently.
There’s nothing we can cling to forever, right?
That’s why we can’t hold on.
Even so, if we cling to the teaching of Everything is Changing itself, wouldn’t that act go against the teaching?
I think there’s a difference between just knowing something and actually living according to it.
But I truly believe the teaching of “Everything is Changing” is—absolutely—true.
Indeed, “Everything is Changing” is an unshakable fact.
You could even say it’s a truth that never changes.
You would say that the teaching “Everything is Changing” is an eternal truth.
But the teaching itself is actually teaching that everything is changing.
A truth that never changes is teaching that things change.
It seems contradictory, yet it is exactly how things are.
I still believe the teaching of Everything is Changing is correct.
That’s why it feels so important to me.
We must not confuse cherishing what is important with clinging to what is important.
Oh… I see.
Even if it’s correct, could this still be clinging?
I’ve noticed that cherishing and clinging feel quite similar.
Yes. Both involve attention and care, so in a way, they’re not so different in action.
But surely, something about them must be different?
Everyone here accepts the teaching of Everything is Changing and thinks it’s correct. And yet, how differently we respond to it!
Even this teaching can become something I cling to, can’t it? That’s just my own problem…
Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Exactly. If this conversation has caused some change within you, that’s already good.
And perhaps it’s precisely because you haven’t clung that you can feel this change.
Right. And remember, there’s really no place to cling to anyway. Even what we thought we held onto will eventually change.
So cherishing and clinging feel similar?
Yes, even so, by understanding that Everything is Changing, I can feel the difference between cherishing what is important and clinging to what is important. The latter, clinging, causes suffering.
The intention behind cherishing what is important doesn’t change, so there’s no need to deny that feeling of importance.
If you stop clinging to what you were clinging to, and instead allow yourself to value it in a different way, that’s enough.
Oh, thank you!
日本語版はこちら↓
コメント