Buddhism Quote by Stephen Batchelor
““Life is a groundless ground: no sooner does it appear, than it disappears, only to renew itself, then immediately break up and vanish again. It pours forth endlessly, like the river of Heraclitus into which one cannot step twice. If you try to grasp it, it slips away between your fingers.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Dying, Stephen Batchelor, 2015
Life is fleeting and ever‑changing; trying to hold onto it is futile because it constantly appears and disappears like a river that cannot be stepped in twice.
In simple terms: Life is fleeting and constantly changing.
Key Takeaway
Embrace impermanence and let go of grasping.
Themes
impermanence
philosophy
acceptance
Mood
contemplative
calm
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- daily stress
- grief processing
- creative work
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
heraclitean flux
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What does impermanence teach you about attachment?
- How can you practice letting go?
A Different Perspective
Attempting to control or fully understand life can cause anxiety.
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