I used to work with a friend whose stated philosophy of life was in terms of 'impermanence', 'non-attachment' and 'here and now'. Initially, I felt that this philosophy was a bit pessimistic. Aren't these, at least in some ways, negations of life, achievements in life and a planned approach towards life?
Later, I started feeling that these three attributes are just 'a statement of fact' about what life actually is - and that they are nether good nor bad. 'Seeing things as they really are' is one of the ways in which 'satori' (enlightenment) is defined! Hence, these in a way constitute and enlightened perspective on life.
Now, I tend to think that these three could even be interpreted as affirmations of life. Impermanence keeps life from getting stagnant. While it does signify some sort of 'destruction', it also destroys the 'unpleasant' things in addition to the 'pleasant things'('this too shall pass'). Non-attachment (in the sense of 'anasakti' in yogic literature) is a great way of being effective in life (or of enjoying life without getting trapped by it). 'Here and now' (of the present moment) is indeed the only real opportunity for us to live life!
Also, this trio of 'Impermanence', 'Non-attachment' and 'Here and Now' are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. For example, Impermanence of life would call for an approach to life based on 'Non-attachment' and the focus on 'Here and Now'. Similarly, the focus on 'Here and Now' will enable Non-attachment and a dynamic approach to life that enables us to experience value, joy and meaning amidst the impermanence of life. Again, Non-attachment is a key enabler for being in the 'Here and Now' and for not being disconcerted by the impermanence of life.
Yes, this would mean that some of the popular 'pictures of success' in life, like 'lasting achievement', 'final victory', 'living happily ever after' etc. are unrealistic and holding on to them can cause unnecessary suffering. It is said that even after one becomes 'enlightened' one goes back to the everyday life - the life that 'both gives and takes away', 'both disappoints and pleasantly surprises' etc.
None of this means that we can't be fully alive. It also doesn't mean that we can't have amazing human interactions/deep human connect or that we can't experience joy or that we can't live life fully and meaningfully) - so long as we don't try to 'possess' or hold on to them. It is just that we must meet life on its terms and not ours! After all, we are a part of life (and not the other way around)!
Any comments/thoughts?
