Why Nothing Lasts Forever

Impermanence is a concept that feels profound yet deeply relevant to our lives. It reminds us that everything around us is in a constant state of change. Digging deeper, there’s a nuanced layer of impermanence known as “momentariness.” This idea reveals that change doesn’t happen gradually over time—it begins the moment something comes into existence. From the first moment of its formation, every entity is already heading toward its end. In other words, nothing exists in a static state; everything is continuously arising, changing, and fading in every moment.

To understand this concept better, let’s explore it through everyday examples: a flower, a table, ourselves, emotions, and even the toughest steel.

A Flower: Constant Change in Every Moment

A blooming flower seems calm and beautiful, yet it is in a state of constant flux. From a seed sprouting to a bud forming and eventually blossoming, each phase is filled with transformation. Even at the moment the flower is fully open, subtle changes are still occurring.

For example, when we admire a rose, its color, shape, and fragrance may appear fixed, but in reality, its cells are constantly undergoing metabolic processes, photosynthesis, and evaporation of moisture.

More importantly, the process of decay begins the moment the flower blooms. The very first petal to unfurl marks the flower's first step toward wilting. This characteristic of “arising while moving toward perishing” is a defining aspect of momentariness.

A Table: Seemingly Stable Yet Constantly Changing

A wooden table might seem far more stable than a flower, but it too is subject to the laws of momentariness. From the moment the wood is crafted into a table, it begins to undergo inevitable changes.

When you touch the surface, friction generates heat that subtly alters the material’s structure. Moisture in the air seeps into the wood’s fibers, and sunlight causes gradual degradation of its molecular structure.

These tiny, momentary changes accumulate over time, eventually leading to the table’s wear and tear. Momentariness reminds us that even seemingly solid objects are constantly in a process of arising and fading.

The Self: A Continuously Flowing Identity

Many people see themselves as a stable “self,” unchanged from past to present. However, the concept of momentariness challenges this view, revealing that the “self” is composed of countless fleeting states of body and mind.

Physically, our cells are constantly dividing and renewing. Studies show that many of our cells are replaced entirely within weeks or months. This means that the “you” of today is physically not the same as the “you” of a few years ago.

Mentally, our thoughts and emotions are in perpetual motion. Every thought, memory, or feeling arises, persists briefly, and then fades. For instance, a moment of frustration might give way to a moment of calm, and then to a moment of joy.

This continuous flow demonstrates that the self is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic process built upon countless moments of change.

Emotions: Fleeting Moments of Arising and Fading

Emotions provide another vivid example of momentariness. Take anger, for instance. When you feel angry, it may seem all-encompassing, but anger is never static. It evolves through countless moments of “arising, persisting, and ceasing.”

Initially, a single word or action might spark a flicker of irritation—that’s one moment. The feeling intensifies in the next moment, and as time passes, it starts to subside, replaced by other emotions.

Understanding the momentariness of emotions helps us see that they are not permanent. Knowing this, we can better manage our feelings and avoid being overwhelmed by them.

Steel: Gradual Decay of the Strongest Materials

Steel might seem like the epitome of durability, but even it cannot escape the law of momentariness. Changes in steel are harder to perceive than those in flowers or emotions, yet they occur at every moment.

For instance, when oxygen in the air interacts with the iron in steel, it triggers an oxidation process. This reaction begins the instant the steel is exposed to air. Although the surface might still appear solid, its internal structure is gradually weakening, leading to rust and eventual decay.

Momentariness reveals that even the strongest materials are subject to the ceaseless process of arising and fading.

What Can We Learn from Momentariness?

Understanding the impermanence of all things and their momentary nature isn’t just a philosophical exercise—it can profoundly influence how we live our lives.

Appreciate Each Moment

Knowing that everything changes in every instant makes us more likely to treasure the present. The beauty of a flower, the warmth of a friendship, or even a simple breath—all become moments to savor deeply.

Let Go of Unnecessary Attachments

Momentariness teaches us that clinging to things is futile because they are destined to change. Learning to let go allows us to experience greater freedom and peace.

Face Life’s Ups and Downs with Grace

Realizing that both good and bad times are transient helps us navigate life’s challenges with a balanced mindset. We can enjoy joy without fear of losing it and endure pain with the assurance that it will pass.

Conclusion

The momentariness of impermanence is not a cold truth—it’s an inspiring perspective. It reminds us that life is dynamic and vibrant, and every moment is worth cherishing.

Whether it’s a flower, a table, ourselves, emotions, or even steel, these examples illustrate how everything in the world is continuously arising and fading. It’s this interplay of impermanence and momentariness that creates the vibrant, ever-changing world we live in.