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8 EASTERN HORIZON | TEACHINGS

Reflections on

impermanence

By Dr Karen Derris | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Professor of Religious Studies Karen Derris’s book reflects the wake of a terminal cancer
diagnosis. (Photo by Tommi Cahill) by University Communications staff

Following a terminal cancer diagnosis, University “Why me?” is a stupid question, or more gently, an
of Redlands Professor of Religious Studies Karen unproductive one. There are known contributing
Derris turned to books and began reading ancient factors for some forms of cancer, but even then, a causal
Buddhist stories with a new perspective. Out of relationship can’t be definitively proven. And anyway, it
this practice comes Storied Companions (Wisdom can seem like blaming the victim. We get sick and we die
Publications, 2021), a work that combines stories because of impermanence. There is no arguing with that
from Buddhist literary traditions with reflections foundational Buddhist teaching.
on her lived experiences. The following is an excerpt “When?” is a question most people avoid. Or answer
from the book. by assuring themselves and others that their time is a

long way off. As though not knowing the time of death
”These stories invite us to participate with our guarantees that it is nowhere near to now. This question
imagination and our own experiences,” says Derris. comes into sharper focus when the conditions leading