Living Anicca

Long back, I guess in 1997, I read a short story in one of the news papers. It introduced the idea of "anicca", which is a pivotal peg of Buddhist philosophy. In simple language, it means impermanence. I.e. nothing in life is going to last for ever. At a deeper level, it gets more complicated which I do not grasp yet. I have met many people who talk about impermanence. Adages like "nothing lasts for ever" are cliche. Rarely have I met anyone who lives the essence of "anicca". 

Then I met Dr Samuel (name changed for privacy reasons) who is a doctor from Myanmar. Samuel, like many professionals and common Burmese people, joined the civil disobedience movement (CDM) when the junta illegally took over power in Burma in 2021. Within a few months of it, it was clear that the junta will go to any extent to keep power. Many kept doing CDM and are still participating it. For those who may not be aware of the situation, many citizens in Burma are still participating in CDM. Many universities are closed for two years because of the motivated and passionate students who have chosen to do the right thing. At the same time, many decided to start an armed revolution as well. An armed revolution needs people from all walks. Dr. Samuel joined the revolution and has been near the frontline of conflict ever since. He, with his team of equally motivated volunteers, work tirelessly to provide invaluable medical aid to the civilians caught in the fights. They also do their best to help the ones injured in this unjust war.  

When I came to know Dr Samuel better, he was still in the camps. Within a week or so, he faced the following list of problems. 

1. He got the news that his sister is suffering from 4th stage cancer. 
2. He realised that he is penniless and can not contribute anything to the treatment. 
3. He realised that he can not even spend much time with his sick sister. 
4. He had constant arguments with his father who wanted him to return to mainstream and get amnesty. 
5. In the same week, his account (with whatever was left off his savings from the times when he was working for a good salary) was frozen and he lost all his savings. 

One evening he was really stressed. I can not even imagine how can one go through so much stress. He was thinking to leave the revolution. I did not know what to tell. 

Then came the twist. He spent that whole evening listening to Buddhist talks and meditating. The following morning, he looked calm and happy. I asked what happened? He told, "everything is impermanent. Why am I worried so much? Life is not for ever as well. I can also die from a road accident. All that matters is that I be with the right side during this crisis."

And that was it. He was back to his smiling and happy self. 

Never have I ever seen a person living the essence of "anicca" the way Samuel did. He is an inspiration. May his sacrifice not go in vein. May Myanmar get the right leaders it deserves. 

PS: What is happening in Myanmar is NOT a civil war. It is a freedom struggle. Please use the right words. Words have power.