We live in a fast-changing world. Everything around us keeps evolving, including our lifestyles, social values, environment, and technology. These visible changes remind us that nothing remains constant forever. Yet at the bottom of these surface-level transformations lies a deeper and universal truth: the philosophy of impermanence. It tells us that the very nature of the universe is transitory. Nothing in this world is permanent.
Whatever arises is bound to change with time. Expecting people, situations, or circumstances to remain constant is therefore an illusion. When life seems to move against us, when circumstances turn unfavourable, efforts fail, people appear uncooperative, and the tunnel ahead looks endlessly dark, we tend to feel hopeless. But time never stands still. Just as the sun inevitably rises after the darkest night, hope follows despair, and success often emerges from repeated failures. Such a phase of life changes, even when it seems impossible in the moment.
Conversely, when we are in positions of power, surrounded by comfort, resources, and loving people, we tend to assume that this is how life will always be. We forget that life has another side. At times, arrogance creeps into our behaviour, and we begin to believe ourselves to be invincible. We may overlook those facing adversity, dismissing their struggles as distant or irrelevant. We become indifferent to them. But unfortunately, when our circumstances change, support disappears, efforts fail, and we feel the shock. It seems like life has betrayed us. Suddenly, the boat seems to be sinking, and survival appears uncertain. At this moment too, we need to remember that the time is cyclical.
Much of this suffering arises from clinging. It may be clinging to position, possessions, power, and people, without remembering their impermanent nature. Awareness of impermanence protects us from this illusion. When circumstances turn against us, remembering the changing nature of the universe offers deep comfort. It reminds us that hardship, too, is temporary.
This insight lies at the heart of the Buddha’s teaching, as he said: “All conditioned things are impermanent.”
Constant awareness of impermanence makes us more accommodating toward life. Those who understand that power, status, wealth, and relationships are temporary tend to be kinder and more compassionate. They do not ignore the less fortunate, nor are they excessively impressed by those in favourable positions. They see people not as embodiments of success or failure, but as fellow human beings moving through changing circumstances.
Accepting the impermanent nature of life brings inner peace. We stop blaming the system and free ourselves from emotional agitation. Changes no longer provoke anxiety, because we know that change is the very law of existence. This wisdom is echoed in the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna reminds us that change is inherent to existence and should be accepted with wisdom and equanimity:
“जातस्य हि ध्रुवो मृत्युर्ध्रुवं जन्म मृतस्य च।
तस्मादपरिहार्येऽर्थे न त्वं शोचितुमर्हसि॥”
(Bhagavad Gita 2.27)
Translation:
“For one who is born, death is certain; and for one who has died, birth is certain. Therefore, over the inevitable, you should not grieve.”
When a person truly understands impermanence, attachment loosens naturally. One remains alert and prepared, without becoming fearful or rigid. Such awareness keeps us humble, grounded, and vigilant. It encourages us to be prepared—emotionally, socially, physically, and financially, for life’s inevitable shifts. Rumi says, “Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.”
With this understanding of impermanence, we begin to see the core of humanity more clearly. We no longer define people by their positions or possessions, but respect them for who they are. Circumstances may differ today, but they can change tomorrow for anyone. Recognising this truth deepens our respect, strengthens our compassion, and allows us to live with greater balance, dignity, and peace.
Elixir:
“Suffering begins when we cling to power, possessions, or people, forgetting that everything in life is meant to change.”
