Expert: Laurie McLauglin - 10/11/2010

Question
I am unable to reconcile what seems to me a contradiction in Buddhist philosophy. I am taught that all phenomena are impermanent. I accept this, however I am also taught that beings have been reborn countless times and will continue to be reborn into the future. This life spark, for lack of a better word, that continues from life to life, seems to directly contradict the principle of impermanence.

Answer
Hello Daniel,

Thank you for letting me answer your question, which is a good one.

From my side, and from what I have learned so far, the term impermanence does not mean the opposite of something that does not end, or the opposite of permanent.

From what I understand, the word impermanent means changing moment to moment - therefore never permanent in that way.

Our "life spark" to use your term does go on forever but is changing moment to moment, so it is impermanent.

Does that make sense?

In other words, impermanence does not mean nothing lasts forever, rather it means nothing stays the same forever (or almost nothing)  I believe there are a couple of exceptions, if I am not mistaken.

If you have any questions about this or anything else, don't hesitate to ask.