Expressions attributed to the Buddha or Buddhist masters that handle the idea of transience, variability, and the ever-changing nature of existence are central to Buddhist philosophy. These expressions typically function reminders of the fleeting and conditional nature of all phenomena, encouraging detachment and acceptance. As an example, an announcement emphasizing that each one compounded issues are topic to decay encapsulates this concept.
Understanding the unstable nature of actuality provides a number of benefits. It cultivates equanimity within the face of change, reduces attachment to transient pleasures, and fosters knowledge by recognizing the illusory nature of mounted identities. All through Buddhist historical past, meditation practices and philosophical inquiries have revolved round considering the impermanent nature of actuality as a way to liberation from struggling. This idea underlies the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, offering a framework for understanding and navigating the human situation.
The next sections will discover particular examples of insightful sayings that illuminate this key Buddhist instructing, analyzing their various interpretations and sensible purposes in every day life.
1. Change is fixed
The aged monk, wrinkled and frail, sat beneath the Bodhi tree. His gaze held the stillness of the mountains, but his phrases carried the pressure of a river. “All that arises,” he started, his voice a low rumble, “should additionally cross away.” This easy assertion, echoing by means of centuries of Buddhist teachings, encapsulates the essence of transience. It’s not merely an remark; it’s the bedrock upon which understanding of actuality is constructed. Every breath taken, every dawn witnessed, every relationship solid and damaged all bear witness to the ceaseless dance of arising and ceasing. A flower blooms in vibrant shade, solely to wither and return to the earth. A mountain erodes, grain by grain, succumbing to the relentless strain of time. These are usually not remoted incidents however manifestations of a common precept, the very heartbeat of existence. Expressions of change are inherent to Buddhist philosophy; their existence necessitates its counterpart. With out the understanding of the character of change, Buddhist beliefs wouldn’t be capable to stand tall.
Think about the story of Kisagotami, who, pushed mad by grief after the demise of her youngster, sought drugs to revive him. The Buddha, reasonably than providing false hope, instructed her to deliver a mustard seed from a home the place demise had by no means entered. Kisagotami searched diligently, however her quest proved futile. In her wanderings, she started to see the universality of struggling and loss. The Buddha’s seemingly easy activity served as a profound lesson, highlighting the pervasive nature of change and the inevitability of demise. Kisagotami’s sorrow remained, however reworked by the understanding of change. She then embraced the impermanence of life. The acknowledgement served to present her a peace of thoughts with a view to grieve correctly.
Understanding the message inherent to vary transcends mere mental comprehension. It requires a deep, experiential understanding cultivated by means of mindfulness and meditation. This realization frees people from the grip of attachment and aversion, permitting for a extra peaceable and accepting way of living’s inevitable vicissitudes. In a world obsessive about permanence and safety, these phrases from the Buddha provide solace and knowledge. This understanding shouldn’t be a denial of pleasure or magnificence; as a substitute, it’s an invite to understand the current second with a deepened consciousness of its fleeting nature, to embrace the dance of existence, understanding that change, although generally painful, is the one fixed.
2. Nothing stays
The phrase “Nothing stays” features as a stark echo inside the halls of Buddhist thought, resonating deeply with expressions emphasizing transience. It signifies the last word conclusion of change, the finality of impermanence’s reign. It invitations contemplation on the ephemeral nature of all phenomena, pushing past the light circulate of alteration into absolutely the dissolution that awaits each created factor. It’s not a morbid fascination with destruction, however a clarion name to understand the current, untainted by clinging or delusion.
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The Fleeting Self
The idea of a hard and fast, unchanging self is a elementary phantasm challenged by the instructing. “Nothing stays” utilized to the person highlights the continually shifting nature of id. Ideas come up and vanish, feelings surge and subside, cells regenerate and decay. What, then, is the everlasting “I”? The belief fosters humility and reduces ego-driven struggling. The story of the thief Angulimala, who reworked from a assassin to an enlightened monk, exemplifies this potential for radical change and the impermanence of even probably the most deeply ingrained identities.
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The Empty World
The fabric world, seemingly stable and enduring, can also be topic to the common precept of “Nothing stays.” Mountains crumble, rivers change course, civilizations rise and fall. These are usually not merely summary historic occasions however demonstrations of the ephemeral nature of all bodily varieties. Considering the eventual dissolution of even the grandest constructions encourages a shift in perspective, releasing one from the phantasm of permanence and the anxieties related to materials loss. This angle is echoed within the sand mandalas painstakingly created after which destroyed by Tibetan monks, a robust visible metaphor for the impermanence of all issues.
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The Cessation of Expertise
Even probably the most profound experiences, whether or not joyful or painful, are topic to the regulation of “Nothing stays.” Feelings, sensations, and reminiscences come up, persist for a time, after which fade away. Clinging to nice experiences results in disappointment once they inevitably finish, whereas resisting disagreeable experiences solely amplifies struggling. Recognizing the transient nature of all experiences permits one to method them with higher equanimity, neither greedy nor resisting, however merely observing their rise and fall. A practitioner, meditating on a painful sensation, witnesses its depth peak after which progressively subside, realizing that even probably the most intense struggling shouldn’t be everlasting.
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The Phantasm of Management
The human want for management stems from a elementary misunderstanding of impermanence. People search to regulate their surroundings, their relationships, and even their very own our bodies in an try to create a way of stability in a world that’s inherently unstable. The instructing that “Nothing stays” challenges this phantasm of management, revealing the futility of making an attempt to carry onto one thing that’s continually altering. Accepting this lack of management will be liberating, permitting one to give up to the pure circulate of life and discover peace within the midst of uncertainty. The story of a king who desperately tried to extend his life by means of magical elixirs, solely to ultimately succumb to demise, illustrates the constraints of management within the face of impermanence.
Within the grand tapestry of existence, the thread of “Nothing stays” weaves a sobering but in the end liberating message. Expressions from the Buddha about transience that embrace this idea change into potent instruments for cultivating detachment, knowledge, and compassion. By acknowledging the ephemeral nature of all phenomena, people can liberate themselves from the shackles of clinging and aversion, embracing the current second with a deeper appreciation for its fleeting magnificence.
3. Attachment causes struggling
The assertion that “Attachment causes struggling” shouldn’t be merely a pessimistic remark; it’s a foundational precept deeply intertwined with Buddhist understanding of transience. It serves as a direct consequence of failing to acknowledge and settle for the impermanent nature of actuality, an idea richly illustrated by Buddhist sayings. The human tendency to cling to individuals, possessions, and concepts, regardless of their inevitable change, creates a breeding floor for discontent and sorrow. This connection reveals a path towards liberation, the place understanding change turns into a key to releasing attachment and easing struggling.
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Clinging to Relationships
The bonds of affection and friendship, whereas sources of immense pleasure, can even change into potent sources of ache. When people cling to the phantasm of permanence in these relationships, they set themselves up for disappointment. A mother and father refusal to let go of a kid, even because the youngster matures and seeks independence, or a associate’s incapability to just accept the top of a romantic relationship, exemplifies this attachment-driven struggling. These conditions typically generate anger, resentment, and deep emotional misery. Expressions that emphasize the fleeting nature of connection can present solace and steerage for navigating these inevitable transitions, encouraging acceptance reasonably than resistance.
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Materials Possessions and Id
The buildup of fabric wealth typically turns into intertwined with a person’s sense of self-worth. This attachment to possessions creates a vulnerability to struggling. The lack of a job, the decline of investments, or the straightforward put on and tear of cherished objects can set off profound emotions of hysteria and despair. The ephemeral nature of fabric issues, as highlighted in quite a few Buddhist texts, reveals the folly of equating happiness with possessions. Sayings of transience encourage a shift in perspective, selling contentment with much less and fostering a detachment from the fabric world.
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The Phantasm of a Mounted Self
Maybe probably the most insidious type of attachment is the clinging to a hard and fast and unchanging sense of self. The ego craves stability and consistency, resisting any problem to its perceived id. Nevertheless, as Buddhist philosophy emphasizes, the self shouldn’t be a static entity however a continually evolving course of. Ideas, feelings, and bodily sensations come up and cross away, making a dynamic and ever-changing circulate of expertise. Clinging to a specific self-image, whether or not optimistic or detrimental, inevitably results in struggling. Buddhist sayings about change invite people to look at the fluidity of their very own expertise, loosening the grip of ego and fostering a extra compassionate and accepting relationship with themselves.
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Concepts and Beliefs
Even probably the most cherished concepts and beliefs can change into sources of struggling when held onto rigidly. Refusing to think about various views or clinging to outdated ideologies can result in battle and isolation. The attachment to 1’s personal worldview can blind people to the reality and stop them from adapting to new info or altering circumstances. Buddhist teachings typically emphasize the significance of open-mindedness and the willingness to query one’s personal assumptions. Expressions encouraging the discharge of mounted views can promote higher understanding and scale back the struggling attributable to ideological rigidity.
In essence, the connection between attachment and struggling, illuminated by Buddhist pronouncements, reveals a path to liberation. By acknowledging the impermanent nature of all issues and loosening the grip of clinging, people can domesticate a higher sense of peace, equanimity, and compassion. The knowledge present in sayings provides sensible steerage for navigating the inevitable challenges of life, fostering a extra fulfilling and significant existence.
4. Acceptance liberates
The assertion that “Acceptance liberates” is greater than a comforting platitude; it’s a direct consequence of deeply understanding Buddhist sayings emphasizing the inherent changeability of actuality. The place attachment causes struggling, acceptance turns into the antidote. It is the nonetheless level on the middle of the turning wheel of impermanence. The story of Anya, a talented weaver, illustrates this. Anya prided herself on her intricate designs, spending months perfecting every bit. A sudden flood destroyed her workshop, washing away years of labor. Initially consumed by despair, Anya sought steerage from a Buddhist monk. He directed her to meditate on the fleeting nature of all creations, reminding her that even probably the most lovely tapestries are destined to unravel. Step by step, Anya started to just accept the loss, not as a private tragedy, however as an inevitable occasion within the grand scheme of existence. She picked up her loom once more, however this time, her weaving was infused with a newfound freedom, a lightness born of acceptance.
Acceptance, on this context, shouldn’t be passive resignation. It’s an lively means of acknowledging the truth of impermanence and selecting to reply with equanimity reasonably than resistance. It entails going through troublesome feelings, acknowledging their presence, and permitting them to cross with out clinging to them or letting them outline the second. A most cancers analysis, for instance, can set off immense concern and anger. Resistance to the analysis can result in a cycle of denial and struggling. Acceptance, alternatively, permits one to interact with the sickness pragmatically, specializing in therapy choices and discovering moments of peace amidst the challenges. It permits for a re-prioritization of life, a deeper appreciation of the current second, and a renewed sense of function. Equally, the sudden lack of a job can really feel devastating. Nevertheless, reasonably than dwelling on emotions of inadequacy or injustice, acceptance permits one to objectively assess the scenario, be taught from the expertise, and proactively search new alternatives.
The trail to liberation by means of acceptance shouldn’t be at all times straightforward. It requires braveness, endurance, and a willingness to confront deeply ingrained patterns of attachment and resistance. Nevertheless, the rewards are profound. By embracing the impermanent nature of actuality, one can break away from the cycle of struggling and domesticate a extra peaceable, fulfilling, and significant existence. The traditional knowledge present in Buddhist proverbs serves as a continuing reminder of this transformative potential, urging people to show in direction of acceptance as the important thing to unlocking true freedom and inside peace. The monk’s steerage was the important thing for Anya to discover a new path.
5. Mindfulness important
The solar dipped beneath the horizon, casting lengthy shadows throughout the monastery courtyard. Inside, a younger novice struggled with meditation, his thoughts a tempest of ideas. His trainer, a seasoned monk, noticed his restlessness with a affected person smile. “The thoughts,” he defined, “is sort of a wild horse. With out mindfulness, it would carry you wherever it pleases, typically in direction of struggling.” The monk then shared a phrase attributed to the Buddha: “All conditioned issues are impermanent.” However he emphasised that merely reciting these phrases was not sufficient. The true understanding, he defined, got here from direct expertise, cultivated by means of conscious consciousness. This connection reveals mindfulness because the indispensable bridge between mental understanding of transience and true liberation from struggling.
Mindfulness, on this context, transcends easy focus. It’s a deliberate and sustained consideration to the current second, with out judgment. It entails observing ideas, emotions, and sensations as they come up and cross away, recognizing their impermanent nature. Think about the expertise of bodily ache. With out mindfulness, ache can shortly escalate right into a cycle of resistance, concern, and elevated struggling. Nevertheless, with conscious consciousness, it’s attainable to look at the feeling immediately, noticing its altering qualities and recognizing that it, too, will ultimately fade. A lady recovering from a automobile accident used mindfulness to deal with continual ache. As a substitute of combating the ache, she targeted on the sensations themselves, noticing their ebb and circulate. This follow didnt remove the ache, however it allowed her to handle it extra successfully, lowering her total struggling. The sort of train permits a person to have a greater grip over their mentality, not essentially fixing, however enhancing over time. Likewise, a scholar going through examination nervousness discovered reduction by means of conscious respiration. By specializing in the feeling of every inhale and exhale, they had been in a position to calm their racing ideas and method the examination with a clearer thoughts.
With out mindfulness, the understanding of change stays summary and theoretical. It’s by means of the follow of sustained consideration that one can really grasp the fleeting nature of all phenomena. Mindfulness gives the area to look at attachments arising and dissolving, to witness the impermanence of ideas and feelings, and to domesticate a deeper sense of equanimity within the face of life’s inevitable modifications. It’s the important software for reworking mental understanding into lived expertise, resulting in a lifetime of higher peace, knowledge, and compassion. The trail shouldn’t be straightforward, because the wild horse of the thoughts typically resists the light steerage of consciousness. But, with persistent follow, mindfulness turns into a gentle presence, illuminating the trail in direction of liberation.
6. Knowledge unfolds
The gradual revelation of profound understanding, typically described as knowledge unfolding, finds fertile floor inside the panorama of Buddhist teachings on transience. Expressions highlighting the altering nature of actuality are usually not merely mental workouts; they’re seeds sown within the thoughts, nurtured by contemplation and mindfulness, that ultimately blossom into transformative perception. This blossoming shouldn’t be a sudden epiphany however a gradual unfolding, a peeling away of layers of ignorance to disclose the underlying fact. The outdated lady’s story exemplifies this journey.
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Seeing By Illusions
Buddhist sayings about impermanence immediately problem the phantasm of permanence that usually obscures clear notion. Knowledge unfolds as people start to see past the floor appearances of issues, recognizing that each one phenomena are continually altering. A person who had amassed a fortune by means of ruthless enterprise practices experiences a disaster of conscience. Initially, he clung to his wealth, fearing the lack of his standing and energy. Nevertheless, after encountering Buddhist teachings, he started to ponder the transient nature of all possessions. This led to a gradual shift in perspective, as he began seeing his wealth as a fleeting phantasm, not a supply of lasting happiness. He divested himself of his fortune, dedicating his life to charitable work, discovering true success in service to others.
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Embracing Uncertainty
The inherent instability of existence could be a supply of hysteria and concern. Knowledge unfolds as one learns to embrace uncertainty, recognizing that change shouldn’t be one thing to be resisted however an inherent facet of life. A younger artist, devastated when her masterpiece was by chance destroyed, initially felt her artistic spirit crushed. Nevertheless, after reflecting on the teachings, she realized that even her best creations had been destined to fade. She determined to embrace the ephemeral nature of artwork, creating non permanent installations that existed just for a short while, discovering a brand new sense of freedom and pleasure within the artistic course of.
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Detachment from Outcomes
Attachment to particular outcomes typically results in disappointment and struggling. Knowledge unfolds as people be taught to detach from the outcomes of their actions, focusing as a substitute on the current second and the intention behind their efforts. A devoted trainer, pissed off by the shortage of progress in a few of her college students, realized that she was too connected to their success. After considering expressions of change, she started to give attention to offering her college students with the absolute best studying surroundings, letting go of her expectations for his or her particular person outcomes. She discovered a renewed sense of pleasure in instructing, and, paradoxically, her college students started to thrive.
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The Path of Steady Studying
The understanding of transience shouldn’t be a static achievement however an ongoing means of studying and adaptation. Knowledge unfolds as one stays open to new experiences, continually questioning assumptions and refining views. A profitable entrepreneur, going through a quickly altering market, initially resisted adapting his enterprise mannequin, clinging to previous successes. Nevertheless, after going through near-bankruptcy, he realized the need of embracing change. He started to actively search out new concepts and applied sciences, reworking his firm right into a dynamic and progressive enterprise.
These unfolding insights, born from contemplation of expressions of change, reveal the transformative energy of Buddhist knowledge. The journey shouldn’t be at all times straightforward, however the rewards are profound: a lifetime of higher peace, resilience, and compassion. The gradual revelation of understanding illuminates the trail, guiding people in direction of a deeper reference to themselves and the world round them.
Regularly Requested Questions Concerning Buddhist Quotes About Impermanence
The exploration of sayings regarding transience typically raises many questions. Clarification turns into important for a complete understanding.
Query 1: Are phrases about transience merely pessimistic pronouncements on the futility of existence?
Think about a seasoned gardener, pruning away lifeless branches to permit new progress to flourish. The gardener understands that the outdated should give solution to the brand new, not out of pessimism, however out of a deep understanding of the cycles of life. Buddhist expressions about change operate equally. They aren’t meant to advertise despair, however reasonably to supply a sensible perspective on the character of actuality. Understanding the fleeting nature of all issues permits for a deeper appreciation of the current second and a launch from the struggling attributable to clinging to the phantasm of permanence.
Query 2: How can the understanding of transience be virtually utilized in every day life?
Think about a talented sailor navigating a turbulent sea. The sailor can’t management the climate, however they’ll regulate their sails and steer their vessel skillfully, adapting to the altering circumstances. Equally, the attention of change can inform on a regular basis selections. As a substitute of clinging rigidly to plans, one can change into extra versatile and adaptable. As a substitute of getting caught up within the drama of fleeting feelings, one can observe them with equanimity, permitting them to cross with out inflicting undue struggling. It is a follow to enhance upon, with a view to get higher as time goes on.
Query 3: Does acknowledging transience indicate a rejection of all worldly pursuits and ambitions?
Image a devoted artist, passionately making a masterpiece, understanding full properly that it’s going to ultimately fade or be destroyed. The artist invests their coronary heart and soul into their work, not as a result of they imagine it would final ceaselessly, however as a result of the act of creation itself is significant. Equally, recognizing transience doesn’t necessitate abandoning all objectives and aspirations. One can nonetheless pursue significant endeavors, however with a distinct perspective, free from the nervousness of clinging to particular outcomes. The trainer’s objective is at all times to assist the scholars even when he/she is aware of that they could not bear in mind the trainer sooner or later. It’s only a matter of detaching one’s self from the outcomes.
Query 4: Is it attainable to reconcile the idea in transience with the will for lasting love and significant relationships?
Think about a pair dancing gracefully, every associate transferring in concord with the opposite, understanding that the music will ultimately finish. They cherish the dance, not as a result of it would final ceaselessly, however due to the shared connection and pleasure skilled within the second. Understanding change doesn’t diminish the worth of affection and relationships. As a substitute, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the current second and a dedication to nurturing these connections whereas they final. Understanding and accepting change won’t damage your relationships, it would make them higher.
Query 5: How does mindfulness relate to the understanding of Buddhist quotes regarding change?
Visualize a transparent mountain lake, reflecting the encircling surroundings with excellent readability. Mindfulness is like that also lake, permitting one to look at ideas, emotions, and sensations with out distortion. By cultivating conscious consciousness, people can immediately expertise the fleeting nature of all phenomena, seeing for themselves that every little thing is consistently altering. Mindfulness gives the direct experiential understanding wanted to maneuver past mental comprehension and in direction of real knowledge.
Query 6: Can an understanding of change reduce the ache of grief and loss?
Envision a grieving dad or mum, holding a cherished {photograph} of their deceased youngster. The {photograph} can’t deliver the kid again, however it serves as a reminder of the love and pleasure they shared. Equally, an understanding of change doesn’t erase the ache of loss, however it might probably present solace by framing the expertise inside a bigger context. Remembering the teachings is necessary however transferring on is extra precious. Accepting that each one issues are destined to cross permits one to grieve with higher equanimity, ultimately discovering peace within the data that even the deepest sorrows will ultimately fade.
These solutions provide a deeper perception into sayings addressing change. Additional exploration will unlock much more precious views.
The next part will delve into advisable sources for additional research.
Navigating Life’s Currents
Life’s challenges, like unpredictable climate patterns, demand adaptability and resilience. The knowledge echoed in sayings relating to change, present a compass for navigating these turbulent currents.
Tip 1: Embrace the Circulation: A river carves its path by yielding to the contours of the land, not by resisting them. Equally, resisting change solely intensifies struggling. When plans are disrupted or expectations unmet, reasonably than battling towards the tide, observe the scenario with equanimity and adapt accordingly. A challenge unexpectedly delayed, for example, provides a chance to reassess methods and refine approaches.
Tip 2: Domesticate Detachment: Think about holding sand in an open palm; it stays safe. Clenching the fist solely forces the grains to slide away. Attachment to possessions, outcomes, and even private identities creates vulnerability. Recognizing the impermanent nature of all issues permits one to understand them with out clinging, fostering a way of inside freedom. Dropping a cherished object, whereas painful, turns into a chance to follow non-attachment, focusing as a substitute on the enduring values that transcend materials possessions.
Tip 3: Discover Gratitude within the Fleeting: Sunrises, like moments of pleasure, are inherently transient. But, their magnificence is amplified by this fleeting nature. Domesticate gratitude for the current second, savoring experiences with out clinging to them. A easy act of kindness, a shared snort with a good friend, a second of quiet contemplation these ephemeral moments change into treasured when seen by means of the lens of transience.
Tip 4: Apply Forgiveness: Previous resentments, like stagnant swimming pools, fester and pollute the thoughts. Holding onto anger and grudges solely perpetuates struggling. Recognizing that each the offender and the offended are topic to the regulation of change permits one to launch bitterness and prolong forgiveness, not as an indication of weak point, however as an act of self-liberation. Forgive to your personal well being, it doesn’t make you weak.
Tip 5: Embrace Steady Studying: A tree that ceases to develop ultimately withers and dies. Equally, clinging to outdated beliefs and assumptions hinders private progress. Stay open to new concepts, problem current views, and embrace the fixed means of studying and adaptation. A profession change, for instance, will be seen not as a setback, however as a chance to accumulate new expertise and broaden one’s horizons.
Tip 6: Prioritize Experiences Over Possessions:A well-worn journey journal holds extra enduring worth than a closet stuffed with unused garments. Experiences form character, broaden views, and create lasting reminiscences. Put money into moments that enrich the soul, reasonably than accumulating materials possessions that in the end fade.
Tip 7: Discover Power in Stillness: A raging storm ultimately subsides, revealing the calm beneath the floor. Amidst the chaos of every day life, create moments of stillness by means of meditation, mindfulness, or just spending time in nature. These moments of quiet contemplation present perspective and permit one to attach with the underlying peace that exists even amidst change.
By integrating these ideas into every day life, it’s attainable to navigate life’s challenges with higher resilience, knowledge, and compassion. Expressions relating to transience present a sensible roadmap for cultivating inside peace and residing a extra significant existence.
The next part will discover advisable sources for additional research.
The Enduring Echo of Transience
The journey by means of expressions associated to variability has revealed the profound implications of this core Buddhist precept. The exploration has traced the trail from acknowledging the inevitability of change to embracing acceptance as a supply of liberation. The understanding that “attachment causes struggling,” coupled with the important follow of mindfulness, gives a framework for navigating the complexities of human existence with higher knowledge and compassion. By the teachings of impermanence, the pursuit of happiness shouldn’t be reliant on steady circumstances, however an ever-evolving fixed.
The monk closed his eyes, the traces on his face deepening just like the furrows in a well-tended discipline. He had seen empires rise and fall, felt the sting of loss, and witnessed the fleeting pleasure of connection. He opened his eyes, a spark of sunshine inside. “The river flows on,” he murmured, “however the supply stays.” Might those that search solace and understanding on this ever-changing world discover lasting peace within the recognition of its transient nature, and thru that recognition, uncover the enduring supply of knowledge inside.
