What idea that 'everything changes' so important to Buddhists?

Answer 1

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The belief of impermanence is instrumental in the understanding of Buddhist traditions. Impermanence, the continually changing nature of all beings and objects, affects the view of self. Revealing the impermanence of the self raises questions concerning karma.

"The doctrine of impermanence, which viewed the elements of existence (dharmas) as momentary phenomena, arising and passing away in a single present instant, was causing many thinkers to reflect on the problem of how to account for the apparent continuity of things, for the relationship of such distinct, momentary dharmas to one another".

The Buddhist tradition states that this is possible due to the power of karmic activity to affect the next being, but to not carryover with it as with the candle lighting example. Following this belief, reincarnation takes place without transmigration, the carrying over of something from one life to the next. Karma affects the next life (like the energy from the candle igniting the second wick), but nothing remains of the karma once it has caused the effect of the next life.

Buddhism has explained how karma exists yet does not transmigrate. Karma, therefore, changes. Likewise, the doctrine of impermanence says that everything is constantly changing. Impermanence can lead to suffering as one fails to accept the continuously changing nature of the world. This means that as one tries to relive an event or strives to keep things the same, suffering is caused by the discrepancy between impermanence and desire for permanence.

As one strives for nirvana, it is essential to accept the impermanent nature of things. With this comes the impermanent nature of self. Self is just a momentary experience, but what one does will affect tomorrow.

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