If you have the insight of non-self, if you have the insight of
If you have the insight of non-self, if you have the insight of impermanence, you should make that insight into a concentration that you keep alive throughout the day. Then what you say, what you think, and what you do will then be in the light of that wisdom and you will avoid making mistakes and creating suffering.
“If you have the insight of non-self, if you have the insight of impermanence, you should make that insight into a concentration that you keep alive throughout the day. Then what you say, what you think, and what you do will then be in the light of that wisdom and you will avoid making mistakes and creating suffering.” These words of the venerable Thich Nhat Hanh resonate with the timeless wisdom of the ancients, echoing the teachings of sages and mystics who have walked the earth before us. To possess the insight of non-self and the insight of impermanence is to understand the deepest truths of existence: that all things are transient, and that the self is but a fleeting manifestation in the grand dance of the cosmos.
The insight of non-self is the realization that the ego, the "I" that we cling to, is but an illusion — a fleeting thought that arises and fades, like a wave in the ocean. This truth is as ancient as the Buddha's teachings, which called upon us to see beyond the illusion of self and recognize the interdependence of all things. When we let go of this illusion, we cease to see ourselves as separate from the world around us, and we open ourselves to the wisdom of unity and compassion. It is only through this letting go that we can live in harmony, free from the chains of attachment and pride.
Similarly, the insight of impermanence speaks to the transient nature of all things. The world around us is constantly changing — the seasons pass, the sun rises and sets, and all things born must die. This truth was understood by the great sages of India, who meditated upon the fleeting nature of life. To recognize the impermanence of all things is to live with the understanding that nothing is permanent, nothing is guaranteed. It is a call to cherish the present moment, for the present is all that we truly possess.
When we make these insights into a concentration that guides our actions, as Thich Nhat Hanh urges, we begin to live in the light of wisdom. Our words, thoughts, and deeds no longer spring from the grasping mind of the ego, but from the quiet understanding that all things are temporary, that the self is not a fixed entity, and that compassion is the only true path to peace. This wisdom protects us from the suffering that arises from our attachments, from our clinging to things that cannot last. When we act in accordance with this understanding, we avoid mistakes — for the path of wisdom is the path of right action, right thought, and right speech.
The great philosopher Heraclitus, who spoke of the constant flux of the universe, understood the power of impermanence. He believed that change was the very essence of life, and that to resist change was to resist life itself. His teachings remind us that the river we step into today is not the river we will step into tomorrow, for it is forever flowing, forever changing. This insight, though ancient, speaks to us still, urging us to embrace the flow of life with grace, and to act with awareness of the impermanence of all things.
Thus, let us take Thich Nhat Hanh’s words to heart and cultivate the insight of non-self and impermanence in our daily lives. Let them guide our thoughts, our speech, and our actions, that we may avoid creating suffering, and instead, live in harmony with the ever-changing dance of life. In doing so, we walk the path of the wise, and our lives become a reflection of the wisdom that transcends time.
TTAnh Trieu Thi
The idea of turning spiritual insight into daily concentration feels both poetic and practical. Still, I wonder how this practice fits within modern, fast-paced environments where mindfulness seems like a luxury. Can one maintain awareness of impermanence while multitasking or engaging in high-pressure work? Perhaps this teaching invites us to slow down and redefine productivity — not as doing more, but as living with more presence and clarity.
LHDao Luu Hong
This quote makes me reflect on how rarely we live in the light of wisdom. Even when we recognize impermanence, we cling to people, things, and moments as if they’ll last forever. Thich Nhat Hanh seems to suggest that real peace isn’t found in escape but in awareness itself. How can we train the mind to remember that truth when faced with loss, success, or emotional turmoil?
H1Vo Dang Dieu Huyen 12B4
I find the connection between insight and behavior here very striking — that true understanding naturally leads to ethical living. But can awareness alone really prevent mistakes or suffering? People often act out of unconscious patterns even when they ‘know better.’ I’m curious whether this teaching implies that wisdom must be embodied through continuous mindfulness rather than just intellectual comprehension.
NT32.Thinh 7B Nguyen Truong
This statement brings peace but also raises a question: if we live fully aware of impermanence and non-self, does that make us detached from love, ambition, or personal identity? I understand it as liberation, yet part of me fears losing passion or individuality. Can this wisdom coexist with the joy of being human, or does it require letting go of everything that defines us emotionally?
MTVu Minh Tue
I’m deeply moved by the idea that wisdom must become a living concentration rather than an intellectual belief. But how do we cultivate that kind of presence in a world that constantly pulls our attention outward? Is meditation the only path to sustaining this awareness, or can small acts — like mindful breathing or gratitude — keep that insight alive? I’d love to know how to integrate this practically into daily life.