Date: 07/05/2025 07/06/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Sitting Meditation
Contemplating the Impermanence of the Mind: Thoughts Like the Wind
“Contemplating the impermanence of the mind” is a key practice in the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. By observing how thoughts arise and vanish rapidly beyond our control, we realize that the mind is like the wind—dynamic, fleeting, and insubstantial. Recognizing this truth brings freedom from clinging and deeper clarity.
1. What Is the Mind? A Stream of Ever-Changing Thoughts
1. The mind is not a fixed entity
It is a continuous flow of mental events, not a permanent self.
2. Thoughts change moment by moment
They arise, linger briefly, and dissolve—like frames in a film.
3. The mind is not fully controllable
Thoughts appear due to conditions, not deliberate creation.
2. Why Thoughts Are Unreliable: They Change Too Fast
1. Impermanence of thoughts
Disturbing thoughts fade; pleasant ones also shift.
2. Randomness of arising
Thoughts often come spontaneously, like wind-blown leaves.
3. Not-self nature
If thoughts were “me,” they would be under full control—but they are not.
3. How to Contemplate Impermanence in Meditation
1. Notice thoughts arising
Gently acknowledge: “A thought has appeared.”
2. Notice how they change
They may intensify, weaken, sharpen, or blur.
3. Notice their dissolution
No need to push them away—they dissolve naturally.
4. Staying Free From Thoughts: Aware but Not Involved
1. Do not follow thoughts
Following leads to distraction.
2. Do not resist thoughts
Resistance gives them more power.
3. Let thoughts move naturally
Observe them like wind passing through the air.
5. Deeper Wisdom: Clarity Comes From Non-Clinging
1. Thoughts are not the problem
Clinging to them is.
2. Letting go means not being controlled
Thoughts come and go—you simply observe.
3. Stable awareness brings natural clarity
Without grasping or rejecting, the mind settles.
6. “Thoughts Like the Wind”: A Powerful Metaphor
1. Wind comes without invitation
So do thoughts.
2. Wind changes constantly
Thoughts shift and cannot be held.
3. After the wind passes, the sky remains
After thoughts pass, awareness remains bright.
7. Bringing This Insight Into Daily Life
1. When emotions arise, observe the underlying thoughts
Seeing clearly reduces emotional overwhelm.
2. When stressed, recall: “This thought will pass.”
No thought stays forever.
3. Act with awareness
Knowing “I am thinking” keeps the mind steady and free from impulsiveness.
Conclusion
Contemplating the impermanence of the mind is not about eliminating thoughts but about understanding their nature.
Thoughts arise like the wind—unpredictable, fleeting, and not-self.
When we no longer cling to them, the mind becomes spacious, calm, and naturally wise.
In this freedom, meditation deepens, and life becomes lighter.
