Chapter 1: Embracing Impermanence

In today’s reflection, we delve into the timeless wisdom of life's fleeting nature, inspired by a weekly series of meditations — Letters to a Young Seeker from the Perennial Meditations newsletter.

Dear Fellow Traveler,

On September 30, 1859, Abraham Lincoln, renowned for his storytelling, recounted a tale to an audience at the Wisconsin State Fair. He shared how an Eastern king tasked his sages with creating a phrase that would be universally applicable at all times. They presented him with the profound statement, “And this, too, shall pass away.” Such a sentiment holds great meaning! It serves as both a humbling reminder in moments of pride and a source of comfort in times of sorrow. However, we can only hope that it isn’t entirely accurate.

The idea that nothing endures is among the most recognized and observable truths of existence. Over two millennia ago, the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus emphasized this notion, stating, “The river where you set your foot just now is gone — those waters giving way to this, now this.”

The phrase “this too shall pass” resonates universally. It pertains to both our cherished moments and those we wish to forget. Yet, despite its clarity, we often overlook its profound wisdom.

How frequently do you ponder the fleeting nature of life? What about the ephemeral quality of each passing moment?

Buddhist teachings recount the story of a spiritual guide named Araka, who used analogies to convey life's brevity:

1. A dew drop on a blade of grass vanishes with the sunrise, mirroring the transient nature of human existence.
2. Just as a bubble that forms in rainwater quickly disappears, so too does human life resemble a fleeting bubble.
3. A line drawn in water swiftly fades away, symbolizing the ephemeral aspect of human life.

How might recognizing this eternal truth guide us toward a fulfilling existence? Strikingly, various wisdom traditions highlight the significance of impermanence.

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius often reflected on the rapid passage of life. In his Meditations, he noted, “In man’s life, his time is a mere instant, his existence a flux, his perception fogged, his whole bodily composition rotting, his mind a carousel, his fortune unpredictable, his fame unclear. To put it shortly: all things of the body stream away like a river….”

The concept of “this too shall pass” is relevant to every phase of life. It reminds us that even storms eventually clear and that the moment to truly live is always now. As Epictetus urged his followers, “How long are you going to wait before you start demanding the best for yourself?”

In his book Mindfulness, esteemed meditation teacher Joseph Goldstein expressed it succinctly: “When we see deeply that all that is subject to arising is also subject to cessation, that whatever arises will also pass away, the mind becomes disenchanted. Becoming disenchanted, one becomes dispassionate. And through dispassion, the mind is liberated.”

Farewell.

Thank you for taking the time to read; I hope you found some insight.

— J.W. Bertolotti

P.S. If you appreciate daily reflections on the art of living, consider subscribing to the Perennial Meditations newsletter.

Chapter 2: Lessons from Great Thinkers

The first video, "OK Go - This Too Shall Pass - Rube Goldberg Machine," visually illustrates the concept of impermanence through an engaging Rube Goldberg machine, emphasizing how everything is in constant motion and change.

The second video, "Larry Fleet & Zach Williams - This Too Shall Pass (Live from 1979)," captures the essence of resilience and the understanding that difficult times are temporary, reinforcing the message of hope and perseverance.