~ Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

The words of Sogyal Rinpoche present a sobering yet liberating truth: impermanence lies at the heart of existence. Every living being, every achievement, every structure, and every rise in power carries within it the seeds of change and decline. Far from being purely pessimistic, this reminder invites us to live with greater clarity, humility, and appreciation.

The Law of Impermanence

The quote echoes one of the core teachings of Buddhism: everything that arises must pass away. Life itself begins with birth and inevitably moves toward death. Friendships form and dissolve. Fortunes grow and dwindle. Even civilizations that once seemed unshakable eventually fade. To ignore this reality is to cling to illusions, but to accept it is to find freedom from unnecessary suffering.

The Dispersing of What Is Gathered

What we gather—be it possessions, people, or experiences—cannot remain forever. Loved ones part, objects decay, and memories fade. While this may stir grief, it also encourages us to treasure the present moment. Knowing that gatherings are temporary allows us to value them while they last, without the false expectation of permanence.

The Exhaustion of Accumulation

Material wealth and worldly success are often pursued as if they provide lasting security. Yet no accumulation can escape eventual exhaustion. Resources run dry, energy wanes, and even the strongest body ages. The teaching does not deny the usefulness of resources but cautions against investing our identity in them. True security is found not in what we hold but in how we relate to change.

The Collapse of What Is Built

Every structure—whether physical, social, or personal—is subject to decay. Buildings crumble, institutions decline, and even carefully built reputations can collapse. This truth reminds us to build with wisdom and detachment, understanding that all creations are temporary. Effort is not wasted, but it must be framed within the awareness that permanence is impossible.

The Humbling of What Stands High

Pride, power, and status may rise, but they too will fall. What is high will be brought low, leveling the illusion of superiority. This humbling truth encourages humility, compassion, and equality. No matter how far one rises, the cycle of impermanence applies equally to all.

Embracing the Teaching

Rather than despair at impermanence, we can see it as a guide for living wisely. It teaches us to hold lightly, love deeply, and act kindly while we can. Knowing that everything changes allows us to release attachment, soften our ego, and find peace in the present. Impermanence strips away illusions and reveals what is essential: awareness, compassion, and presence.

Conclusion

Sogyal Rinpoche’s reminder is not meant to darken life but to illuminate it. To recognize that what is born will die, what is gathered will be dispersed, and what is built will collapse is to understand the fragile beauty of existence. In this awareness, we learn to live more fully, not by clinging, but by appreciating the fleeting wonder of every moment.