Introduction to Liberating Ways of Looking

In the twelfth chapter, Rob Burbea expands on how different perspectives on experience can affect our sense of self, suffering, and the perceived solidity of our experiences. He points out that approaches such as mindfulness can reduce reactivity and fabrication, thereby offering more freedom. Then, Burbea introduces the notion of cultivating even more potent ways of looking that involve a deeper level of letting go and hence, less fabrication. He emphasizes that such practices can not only provide immediate freedom but also facilitate a progressive understanding of dependent arising and emptiness.

The Impermanence (Anicca) Perspective

According to Buddha's teachings, three particular perceptions—impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and not-self (anattā)—are emphasized as critical for development by practitioners. Anicca, or the constant change inherent in all phenomena, is presented as a significant avenue for opening to joy, peace, and freedom when used as a meditative lens. The chapter focuses on developing the practice of seeing anicca, which involves more than just thinking about impermanence but deeply perceiving it in practice.

Everyday Level Observation of Anicca

Burbea encourages observing anicca at the everyday level, ranging over various timescales. This might involve reflecting on the multitude of different mental states that one goes through during a day, recognizing that they are transient. By repeatedly acknowledging their impermanent nature, we start to internalize this insight more profoundly. Additionally, awareness of the changing nature of current mental states can open up freedom in the present moment by lessening our attachment to them.

Practice: Awareness of Change at an Everyday Level

Burbea advises practicing the reflection of anicca by taking time daily to acknowledge the changing nature of our experiences, including moods, energy levels, and sensory impressions. By consciously knowing that our current experience will transform, we can sense the effect of this perspective in the moment, possibly reducing our reactivity.

Perceiving Moment-to-Moment Impermanence

Burbea suggests refining our practice by attending to the sense of change from one moment to the next with intensity. This includes not just the arising and passing but also the fluctuations within each sensory perception. Furthermore, recognizing the shifting nature of distracted thoughts or broader sensory fields can be included in the contemplation of impermanence.

The Heart’s Responses to Impermanence

Deep meditation may elicit various heart responses which should be acknowledged and addressed. Apart from a sense of release and freedom, the contemplation of anicca might also evoke emotional responses such as poignancy, melancholy, or even fear. Burbea stresses the importance of being open to the heartbreak of anicca as part of practicing with humanity, leading to a tender appreciation of life's impermanent nature.

In summary, Chapter 12 of "Seeing That Frees" delves into the concept of anicca, one of the three perceptions highlighted by Buddha as fundamental to deepening freedom and insight. Through practices from everyday observation to moment-to-moment awareness, Burbea demonstrates how an understanding of impermanence can reduce the fabrication of self and suffering and enhance appreciation for the fleeting beauty of existence.