Impermanence (June 1994)

“You will live to be at least ____ years old,” stated the Teacher matter of factly, adding, “That is your koan*!”

My initial ‘thought response’ was, “Good. If this is so I have at least another ____ years in this body to clear myself of illusory, Reality-inhibiting tendencies, and to responsibly complete my work.”

Actually, the Teacher’s purposeful proclamation might have sent me into mild panic, feeling that my time was extremely short, had we not just emerged from a deep Reality-centered meditation!

Each of us has a limited time to play chosen roles in the grand process of living. Not many know at which moment their physical life will cease. This uncertainty can in itself be a useful, growth promoting koan for each of us.

*koan: Japanese, meaning “a case,” a special “problem” to be solved through introspective contemplation. In Zen, the resolution to a koan is marked or validated by an enlightenment breakthrough.