“All created things are impermanent. Strive diligently.” This profound quote encapsulates two fundamental teachings of Buddhism: the concept of impermanence and the importance of diligence.
The first part, “All created things are impermanent,” refers to the Buddhist concept of ’anicca’ or impermanence. This means that all things, including our thoughts, emotions, experiences, relationships, and even our bodies, are constantly changing and evolving. Nothing in life is permanent or fixed. This concept encourages us to accept change as a natural part of life and to let go of our attachment to things staying the same.
The second part of the quote, “Strive diligently,” emphasizes the importance of consistent effort and determination in our spiritual journey. It suggests that we cannot simply wait for enlightenment or personal growth to happen to us. Instead, we must actively work towards it, cultivating virtues such as wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness in our daily lives.
Applying this quote to the modern world, we can see that change is a constant part of our lives. Whether it’s in our personal lives, in our work, or in the world around us, nothing stays the same. This can be a source of anxiety for many people, who crave stability and predictability. However, by embracing the truth of impermanence, we can learn to adapt to change more easily and to appreciate the transient beauty of our experiences.
On the other hand, the call to “strive diligently” is a reminder that personal development requires active effort. Whether we’re trying to learn a new skill, improve our relationships, or achieve our goals, we need to put in the work. This part of the quote encourages us to be proactive in our growth, rather than passively waiting for things to get better.
Overall, this quote is a call to embrace change and to take responsibility for our own development. It reminds us that while we cannot control the impermanence of life, we can control how we respond to it and how we choose to grow from it.
