Even This Shall Pass Away!!!

Once in Persia reigned a King

Who upon his signet ring

Graved a maxim true and wise,

Which, if held before the eyes,

Gave him counsel at a glance,

Fit for every change and chance.

Solemn words, and these are they:

"Even this shall pass away."

Trains of camels through the sand

Brought his gems from Samarcand;

Fleets of galleys through the seas

Brought him pearls to match with these.

But he counted not his gain

Treasures of the mine or main;

"What is wealth?" the king would say;

"Even this shall pass away."

In the revels of his court

At the zenith of the sport,

When the palms of all his guests

Burned with clapping at his jests;

He amid his figs and wine,

Cried: "Oh loving friends of mine!"

"Pleasure comes but not to stay;"

"Even this shall pass away."

Fighting on a furious field,

Once a javelin pierced his shield;

Soldiers with a loud lament

Bore him bleeding to his tent;

Groaning from his tortured side,

"Pain is hard to bear," he cried,

"But with patience, day by day,

Even this shall pass away."

Towering in the public square,

Twenty cubits in the air,

Rose his statue, carved in stone,

Then, the king, disguised, unknown,

Stood before his sculptured name

Musing meekly, "What is fame?

Fame is but a slow decay

Even this shall pass away."

Struck with palsy, sere and old,

Waiting at the gates of gold,

Said he with his dying breath;

"Life is done, but what is death?"

Then, in answer to the King,

Fell a sunbeam on his ring,

Showing by a heavenly ray,

"Even this shall pass away."

--- Theodore Tilton

Even This Shall Pass Away: The Philosophy of Impermanence

The poem "Even This Shall Pass Away" beautifully encapsulates the wisdom of impermanence—an age-old truth echoed in various philosophies, religions, and literary works. The Persian king’s signet ring, engraved with these solemn words, serves as a guiding light, reminding him (and us) that everything—be it joy, sorrow, wealth, suffering, or even life itself—is transient.

This philosophy, simple yet profound, resonates across cultures and time. It teaches us humility in moments of triumph, resilience in times of despair, and detachment from both material possessions and fleeting emotions. The king’s journey in the poem, from revelry to suffering, from power to decay, from life to death, mirrors the cycles we all experience, making this wisdom universally relevant.

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Impermanence in Philosophies and Teachings

1. The Stoic Perspective: All is Fleeting

The Stoic philosophers of ancient Greece and Rome—Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—emphasized the transient nature of life. They urged people to neither cling to pleasure nor despair in suffering. In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius writes:

"Observe how ephemeral and worthless human things are... Today a drop of semen, tomorrow a pile of ashes."

This aligns perfectly with the Persian king’s realization: wealth, power, pleasure, and even pain are temporary. Stoicism teaches that by understanding impermanence, we gain inner peace and fortitude.

2. The Buddhist Doctrine of Anicca (Impermanence)

Buddhism places impermanence (Anicca) at the heart of its teachings. The Buddha taught that all things—material and immaterial—are in constant flux. Attachment to transient things leads to suffering (dukkha), while true wisdom comes from embracing change.

Consider the Buddhist parable of the sand mandala: monks painstakingly create intricate designs with colored sand, only to wipe them away upon completion. This ritual symbolizes the transient nature of existence, much like the Persian king's realization that "Even this shall pass away."

3. Hinduism: The Illusion of Permanence (Maya)

In Hindu philosophy, the world is seen as Maya—an illusion of permanence. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us:

"That which is born will die, and that which dies will be born again."

Hinduism teaches detachment (Vairagya), urging individuals to focus on self-realization rather than being entangled in the ephemeral pleasures and pains of life. The king’s reflection on fame—"Fame is but a slow decay"—aligns with this, as even the most celebrated figures eventually fade into history.

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Lessons from the Poem: Applying Impermanence in Life

The Persian king experiences life’s highs and lows—wealth, pleasure, pain, fame, and even the approach of death. Yet in every circumstance, his ring whispers the same truth:

"Even this shall pass away."

1. In Times of Joy: Stay Humble

When the king revels in his court, surrounded by laughter and applause, he reminds himself that pleasure is transient. This echoes the Stoic practice of negative visualization—imagining the loss of what we hold dear to appreciate it more fully without attachment.

Example: A young athlete wins a championship and basks in glory. But if he remembers that fame is fleeting, he remains grounded and focused, knowing that success today does not guarantee it tomorrow.

2. In Times of Suffering: Have Patience

When the king is wounded in battle, he consoles himself with the same wisdom—pain, no matter how intense, will eventually pass. This is a powerful lesson in resilience.

Example: A person going through heartbreak or financial crisis may feel overwhelmed, but knowing that this too shall pass gives them the strength to endure and move forward.

3. In Moments of Power: Avoid Ego

The king stands before his own statue and questions the worth of fame, realizing that even the greatest names are eventually forgotten. History is filled with once-glorious rulers and leaders whose legacies have crumbled.

Example: A CEO at the peak of their career should recognize that power is temporary. Leaders like Steve Jobs left a lasting impact, but even the biggest corporate empires evolve, fade, or fall.

4. In Facing Death: Find Peace

At the end of his life, the king questions death itself, only to see a sunbeam illuminating his ring—affirming that even death is a transition, not an end.

Example: Many spiritual traditions offer comfort by viewing death not as an absolute end but as a passage. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Bardo Thodol (Tibetan Book of the Dead) describes death as a transition to another state of existence.

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Final Thought: The Eternal Whisper of Change

The Persian king’s wisdom is a gift for all of us. Whether we stand in moments of triumph or despair, we must remember:

Nothing lasts forever—neither joy nor suffering, neither success nor failure.

This realization is not meant to induce apathy but to cultivate balance, resilience, and mindfulness. It encourages us to embrace life fully while maintaining the serenity to let go when the time comes.

So, the next time life blesses you with happiness, enjoy it without clinging. When hardships arise, endure them with patience. Because, in the end...

Even this shall pass away.

Life!!! What !t !s???

Life isn't about keeping score and making scores.
It's not about how many people call you and it's not about who you've dated, are dating, or haven't dated at all.
It isn't about who you've kissed, what sport you play, or which girl or guy likes you.
It's not about your shoes or your hair or the color of your skin or which brand u are fond of. where you live or go to school.
In fact, it's not about grades, money, clothes, or colleges that accept you.
Life isn't about if you have lots of friends, or if you are alone, and it's not about how accepted or unaccepted you are.
Life just isn't about that.
But life is about who you love and who you hurt.
It's about how you feel about yourself.
It's about trust, happiness, and compassion.
It's about sticking up for your friends and replacing inner hate with love.
Life is about avoiding jealousy, overcoming ignorance, and building confidence.
It's about what you say and what you mean.
It's about seeing people for who they are and not what they have.
Most of all, it's about choosing to use your life to touch someone else's in a way that could never have been achieved otherwise.
These choices are what life's about...

Comments on the Philosophy of Life 

This offers a refreshing perspective on life, emphasizing that external achievements and superficial markers of success—such as money, status, popularity, or material possessions—do not define one's true essence. Instead, it shifts the focus to emotional depth, relationships, character, and impact on others. This perspective aligns with humanistic psychology, particularly Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where self-actualization and meaningful relationships surpass materialistic or social validation.

Here are a few reflections along with real-life examples that support this philosophy:

1. Life is Not About Keeping Score, But About Meaningful Connections

It dismisses the notion that life is a competition based on external achievements. Instead, it advocates for deep, meaningful relationships.

Example: Mother Teresa’s Life of Service

Mother Teresa didn’t accumulate wealth, nor did she seek status or recognition. However, her work with the sick and poor touched millions of lives, proving that true fulfillment comes from compassion and selfless service rather than external validation.

2. Life is About Who You Love and Who You Hurt

Our actions towards others define our character more than material success. Choosing kindness over indifference and love over hate leaves a lasting impact.

Example: Mahatma Gandhi’s Principle of Nonviolence

Gandhi’s philosophy of Ahimsa (nonviolence) demonstrated that love and moral courage are far more powerful than brute force. His commitment to truth and justice impacted millions, highlighting that our relationships and choices determine our legacy.

3. Life is About Replacing Inner Hate with Love

It also suggests that overcoming negativity, jealousy, and hatred leads to a more fulfilling life. Holding grudges and resentment only diminishes our own peace.

Example: Nelson Mandela’s Forgiveness

After 27 years in prison, Mandela emerged not with vengeance but with forgiveness and reconciliation, uniting a divided South Africa. His actions show that letting go of hate leads to personal and societal transformation.

4. Life is About Confidence and Seeing People for Who They Are, Not What They Have

Society often emphasizes status and material possessions, but genuine confidence comes from self-acceptance and valuing others for their character.

Example: Nick Vujicic – A Life Without Limits

Born without limbs, Nick Vujicic could have let his physical condition define him. Instead, he built confidence, became a motivational speaker, and inspired millions. His life proves that true worth is not in physical appearance or possessions but in how we uplift others.

5. Life is About Making an Impact on Others

So lets concludes with the idea that our greatest contribution is how we affect the lives of others positively.

Example: Dr. Abdul Kalam’s Legacy

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, was known for mentoring students and inspiring the youth rather than seeking power or wealth. His humility and dedication to education changed countless lives, proving that a meaningful legacy is built by touching hearts, not accumulating accolades.

Final Thoughts

The passage challenges the materialistic mindset and reminds us that real happiness comes from within and from meaningful relationships, compassion, and personal growth. It echoes the sentiments of great thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.”

Thus, the true measure of life isn’t in what we acquire, but in how we make others feel, how we grow as individuals, and the love and kindness we spread along the way.

Life is too Short

Life is too short.

Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness.

Laugh when you can, 

apologize when you should and 

let go of what you can't change.

Love deeply and forgive quickly.

Take chances.

Give everything and have no regrets.

Life is too short to be unhappy.

You have to take the good with the bad.

Smile when you're sad, love what you got, and 

always remember what you had.

Always forgive, but never forget.

Learn from your mistakes but never regret.

People change, and things go wrong but always remember.

life goes on!!!

Life is a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of existence. It is too short for grudges, regrets, or unnecessary sorrow. Instead, embracing joy, love, forgiveness, and resilience makes it truly meaningful. This wisdom is reflected in mythology and real-world experiences alike.

1. Grudges are a Waste of Perfect Happiness

In the Mahabharata, Draupadi’s deep resentment towards the Kauravas led to a devastating war. While her anger was justified, it also brought immense suffering to countless lives. In contrast, Lord Krishna, despite facing numerous betrayals and enmities, never held grudges but focused on dharma (righteousness). Similarly, in the real world, Nelson Mandela, after spending 27 years in prison, chose to forgive rather than seek revenge, leading to a peaceful transition in South Africa. His life teaches us that letting go of bitterness leads to inner peace and collective harmony.

2. Laugh When You Can, Apologize When You Should, and Let Go of What You Can't Change

The Norse god Loki, despite his mischievous nature, reminds us that laughter can lighten the darkest moments. Even in times of chaos, his humor brought relief to gods and mortals alike. Similarly, in modern times, comedians like Robin Williams spread joy despite battling their personal struggles. Learning to laugh, apologize when necessary, and move forward are crucial aspects of a fulfilling life.

3. Love Deeply and Forgive Quickly

In Hindu mythology, Lord Rama exemplifies deep love and forgiveness. Despite Sita’s unjust exile, he loved her unconditionally. Jesus Christ also preached love and forgiveness, even towards those who crucified him. In contemporary history, Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence was rooted in love and forgiveness, proving that embracing these virtues leads to a stronger, more resilient soul.

4. Take Chances and Have No Regrets

Arjuna, before the Kurukshetra war, hesitated due to his emotional conflict. But Krishna’s advice in the Bhagavad Gita—do your duty without attachment to the result—teaches us to take chances and act without fear of failure. Entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk exemplify this by taking bold risks that changed industries forever.

5. Life is Too Short to Be Unhappy

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned to roll a boulder uphill for eternity, symbolizing the futility of resisting fate. Yet, Albert Camus, in his existential philosophy, suggests that one must imagine Sisyphus happy—embracing struggles instead of suffering from them. In real life, Helen Keller, despite being blind and deaf, lived a fulfilled life, proving that happiness is a choice, not a circumstance.

6. Learn from Mistakes but Never Regret

King Ashoka, after the brutal Kalinga War, transformed from a ruthless conqueror to a compassionate ruler by embracing Buddhism. His life proves that learning from mistakes without dwelling on regret can lead to personal and societal transformation.

7. People Change, Things Go Wrong, but Life Goes On

The story of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment began with his realization that change and suffering are inevitable. Accepting change helped him find inner peace. In today’s world, people like Malala Yousafzai, who overcame violence and adversity, show that even when things go wrong, one must move forward with hope and resilience.

Conclusion

Life is too short to hold on to negativity. Mythology and real-world examples remind us that forgiveness, love, resilience, and the ability to embrace change make life meaningful. So, smile through the challenges, take risks, and cherish every moment—because life, after all, goes on.