Why do spiritual and philosophical traditions all stress the notion of the shortness of life? It seems it would be in the category of self-evident. Although the notion of impermanence (or nothing lasts) is straightforward, deepening our understanding can change how one lives in the world.
Buddhist scripture tells the story of a religious teacher named Araka. He taught his students this doctrine:
Short is the life of human beings, O good and virtuous ones, limited and brief; it is full of suffering, full of tribulation. This one should wisely understand. One should do good and live a pure life; for none who is born can escape death.
The scripture lists several analogies and metaphors to illustrate the insight. Araka advised his students to meditate on these ideas, “do not be negligent, or else you will regret it later.”
Here are a few of those analogies to contemplate:
Just as a dew drop on the tip of a blade of grass will quickly vanish at sunrise and will not last long, even so, is human life like a dewdrop.
Just as when rain falls from the sky in thick drops, a bubble appearing on the water will quickly vanish and will not last long; even so, is human life like a water bubble.
Just as a line drawn on the water with a stick will quickly vanish and will not last long; even so, is human life like a line drawn on water.
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius also came to this realization on the nature of impermanence. In his Meditations, Marcus wrote,
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…
For Buddhists, the teaching connects to suffering. To quote the Buddha, “All conditioned things are impermanent — when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering.”
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Thank you for listening; I hope you found something useful.
Until next time, be wise and be well,
JW
Life is Short - Buddhist Teaching