Samvega is a Pali word. Pali is the language of the oldest Buddhist scriptures. This word means the oppressive sense of shock, dismay, and alienation that comes with realizing the futility and meaninglessness of life as it’s normally lived; a chastening sense of one’s own complacency and foolishness in having let oneself live so blindly; and an anxious sense of urgency in trying to find a way out of the meaningless cycle. (Access to Insight Glossary of Pali and Buddhist Terms)
I have experienced samvega often in recent years but the cluster of serious illnesses of family and close friends have shaken me up. These people are close to me in age. I’m fifty-seven and in fairly good health. My friends were in good health too. There are no throw away moments, I remind myself over and over.
