Rainbows Quote by Noah Levine
““We all know that rainbows are temporary optical illusions based on the factors of sunlight, moisture, and heat. The environment creates each rainbow like the mind creates a self. Both creations are relatively real, in that we can genuinely experience them temporarily; but just as the factors that created the illusion (whether rainbow or self) arose, so will they also pass. There is no permanent self; there is no permanent rainbow. It is not true to say that there is no self at all or that everything is empty or illusory, but it is true that everything is constantly changing and that there is no solid, permanent, unchanging self within the process that is life. Everything and everyone is an unfolding process.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Mindfulness and impermanence, 2018 conference on Buddhist philosophy
All phenomena, including self and perception, are temporary and constantly changing; nothing is permanent or unchanging.
In simple terms: Everything changes; nothing stays the same forever.
Key Takeaway
Accept impermanence and stay flexible.
Themes
impermanence
identity
illusion
Mood
reflective
calm
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
spiritual
educational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- meditation practice
- psychology counseling
- spiritual teaching
Key Concepts
non‑attachment
process philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does letting go of a fixed self feel like?
- How does recognizing impermanence affect daily choices?
A Different Perspective
May be unsettling for those seeking stable identity; can be misinterpreted as nihilism.
