So I say to you.
This is how to contemplate our conditioned existence in this fleeting world:
Like a tiny drop of dew,
or a bubble floating in a stream;
Like a flash of lightning in a summer cloud,
Or a flickering lamp, an illusion, a phantom, or a dream.
— Buddha, from the Diamond Sūtra
Notes:
- Diamond Sūtra: “A copy of the Chinese version of Diamond Sūtra, found among the Dunhuang manuscripts in the early 20th century by Aurel Stein, was dated back to 11 May 868. It is, in the words of the British Library, “the earliest complete survival of a dated printed book.” (Source: Wiki)
- Photo (via Your Eyes Blaze Out)
very inspiring!
It is. And written so long ago.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Sutra
A copy of the Chinese version of Diamond Sūtra, found among the Dunhuang manuscripts in the early 20th century by Aurel Stein, was dated back to 11 May 868. It is, in the words of the British Library, “the earliest complete survival of a dated printed book.”
yes, here but for less than a fleeting moment –
Each moment perfect, precious and fleeting. ✨
effervescent – that’s what our lives are like, that red ball of fire before an imminent and inevitable sunset
Beautifully stated.
“imminent and inevitable sunset” great analogy…
It is.!
Wonderful Friday quote. Thank you.
It is. Thanks Carrie.
“…and so it goes.”
That is amazing that it was written so long ago…and still applies today. Our lives are but a blip on the radar…
Isn’t that something? I was moved by the same thought.
It sure is!
Or a flickering lamp, an illusion, a phantom, or a dream…..
Makes me think of….Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Life is but a dream…
Sometimes it feels like it.
Smiling. Like that!
The image: I like the little reflective capture of life’ s moments,within some of the bubbles, pictured… a person running, An SUV, a Dollar, etc, all temporary … and the text: reminds me of these two Bible verses:
“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
James 4:14”
“He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; Who makes lightnings for the rain, Who brings forth the wind from His treasuries.
Psalm 135:7” and I think of Scared Life and Fleeting Quickness of Time’s Passing, absorbing further into atmosphere …We must embrace the Life Gifted, Be Thankful for the Teaching In Gain of Wisdom, of the Heart’s Action Extended & Received, of the Hands Gentle Touch, of the Sound of Voices Lifted in expressive Joy, of the Soul’s Compassionate Impact, and the Uniqueness of each Gift of Breath. to Our Last Whisper of Thank You, God Bless You, I love You…and Know That His Words of Truth and Grace Live Forever…