Abiding in Impermanence, Cultivating Joy in the Dharma

On Sunday, 21 June 2026, the second Lay Sangha Gathering was successfully held at the residence of Bro. Chan Cheow Khoon and Sis.Yeap Siew Heng. Fellow practitioners gathered joyfully to learn, practice, and encourage one another through the Dharma.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by the emcee, Sis. Lay Hong. Thereafter, Bro. Lim Kie Woon led the assembly in the recitation of Amitabha Buddha’s name. The resonant chanting filled the hall, planting wholesome seeds of purity and mindfulness in everyone’s hearts.

Next, Sis.The Gin Khuan and Sis.Yeap Siew Heng led the recitation of the *Ten Good Deeds and Aspirations*, reminding participants of the importance of purifying body, speech, and mind, while renewing their commitment to practise according to the Buddha’s teachings for the benefit of all beings.

The highlight of the gathering was a Dharma talk by Venerable Zhen Sheng, Abbot of Than Hsiang Temple, titled “Abiding in Impermanence, Practising with Dharma Joy.”Drawing upon everyday examples, the Venerable explained profound Buddhist principles in a clear and accessible manner, allowing participants to gain valuable insights into the practice of Dharma in daily life.

The Venerable pointed out that many people assume spiritual cultivation requires withdrawing from society and engaging in secluded meditation. However, the *Vimalakirti Sutra* teaches that true practice is not confined to forests or monasteries but is carried out amidst everyday life. Lay practice forms an essential foundation of Buddhism, and one should not feel discouraged simply because one is unable to ordain.

The Venerable emphasized that all relationships and circumstances are subject to impermanence. As stated in the *Agama Sutras*: “All accumulations will eventually disperse; all exalted positions will decline; all meetings end in separation; and all who are born will die.” Wealth, status, family ties, and even life itself are transient. Failing to understand impermanence leads to attachment and suffering, whereas understanding it enables us to respond to life with freedom, wisdom, and compassion.

Impermanence should not be feared. On the contrary, it is the source of hope. Because of impermanence, those lacking knowledge can learn; those facing poverty can improve their conditions; those who make mistakes can reform; and those burdened by afflictions can attain liberation through practice. Since everything changes, positive transformation is always possible.

The Venerable further reminded everyone not to become complacent during good times nor lose heart during difficult times. When favourable conditions arise, we should cherish them by practising generosity, cultivating virtue, and accumulating wholesome karma. As the saying goes, “Nothing worldly can be taken with us; only our karma follows us.” Material possessions are impermanent, but wholesome deeds remain meaningful beyond this life.

Quoting the *Diamond Sutra*, “One should give rise to the mind without abiding anywhere,” the Venerable encouraged practitioners not to cling to any phenomena. He also cited the *Sutra on Impermanence*, which teaches that enlightenment alone provides true refuge. By turning inward and observing the mind, we gradually understand the arising and ceasing of all things, enabling us to accept impermanence and live with greater peace.

Regarding spiritual cultivation within human relationships, the Venerable shared four key points:

1. **Listen with compassion to dissolve conflict.**
Seek to understand others with empathy and kindness rather than reacting with judgment.

2. **Handle disagreements with wisdom.**
Do not allow anger to control the mind. When conflicts arise, first calm the mind through meditation or Buddha-recitation before responding.

3. **Regard the family as a place of practice.**
Family members are not merely relatives but companions on the path of cultivation and opportunities for spiritual growth.

4. **Abide in relationships with an understanding of impermanence.**
Parent-child, marital, and other relationships arise through causes and conditions. Recognising their impermanent nature allows us to cherish each moment while maintaining inner peace and compassion.

The Venerable also referred to the *Diamond Sutra’s* teaching of “no self, no person, no sentient being, and no lifespan,” explaining that all beings possess Buddha-nature and are fundamentally equal. Although the world is impermanent, we should cultivate an unwavering mind and an enduring compassion amidst constant change.

In conclusion, the Venerable encouraged everyone to contemplate impermanence, live fully in the present moment, and treat others with compassion. Whether encountering favourable or adverse conditions, meeting or parting, practitioners can learn to abide peacefully within themselves and cultivate the Bodhi mind through every relationship.

Following the Dharma talk, Bro.Cheow Khoon’s family made offerings to the Venerable and took a group photograph. This was followed by a session of stretching and light exercises, allowing everyone to relax both body and mind.

Later, Sis. Siew Hong facilitated a paired interactive activity that encouraged participants to reconcile with themselves, embrace their past imperfections, and cultivate self-acceptance with kindness and determination.

After the evening chanting session, the gathering concluded with a warm and joyful potluck dinner. Fellow practitioners shared a variety of vegetarian dishes, enjoying both wholesome food and Dharma fellowship together.

With the recitation of “Amitabha Buddha,” the second Lay Sangha Gathering came to a harmonious and auspicious close. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Bro. Cheow Khoon and Sis. Siew Heng for generously hosting the gathering, to Venerable Zhen Sheng for his compassionate teachings, and to all participants and volunteers for their support.

May all continue to practise diligently, abiding peacefully amidst impermanence and cultivating the Bodhi path through every relationship encountered in life.

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More photos:https://thanhsiang.org/ch/node/7038
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