Changing

Let me start with a few definitions of what change is. Change is constant, nothing is permanent. This fact is referred to as impermanence and it is a foundation block of Buddhism. All change is a result of cause and effect. So even the smallest action has a reaction somewhere, somehow. The effect might not be immediately visible or apparent but you can trust that it will happen and not necessarily in ways that you imagine or intended.

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.”

— Dalai Lama XIV

I acknowledge that every interaction i have with another living being has the potential at least to effect a change. More directly, I lead a weekly meditation group in our local community and I know that meditation has had an impact on the attendees lives, however small. The ongoing ripple would go out undoubtedly from these people in the way they interact with others and the example they set, again in small ways but which might be spread out by those receiving these effects.

So am I changing the world, well definitely yes, but the effects are probably not easily discerned or measured.

Reference:

• change-4039486 Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay