Yoga Philosophy and Impermanence: Go With The Flow

Yoga’s philosophy about impermanence can best be summarized with this statement: Go With The Flow. Implied in this is that the nature of life is filled with cycles of creation and destruction, building up and falling down, birth and death. This applies to our body, thoughts and emotions, and the material world. Understanding the transient nature helps some to find a sense of peace, resilience, and focus on the significance of the present moment. It’s all about finding your inner zen while acknowledging that everything changes.

1. Impermanence of the Body

In Yoga, the physical body is seen as a temporary vessel for the soul, known as the Atman. The body is born, grows, ages, and ultimately dies. Any experiences you have in the body are temporary, and your soul lives on after the body dies. What happens to your soul after you die depends on what yoga tradition you follow.

2. Impermanence of Emotions and Thoughts

Our thoughts and emotions are even more transient than our bodies. They are ever-changing, from moment to moment. They crash and recede like waves on a beach. Yoga practitioners are encouraged to observe these thoughts and emotions without judgment. Acknowledge the thought or emotion for what it is, and then move on without dwelling on it. Impermanence teaches us to ride the waves of our thoughts and emotions, rather than build a sandcastle around them that will just be destroyed with the next passing wave.

3. Impermanence of the Material World

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the foundational texts for yoga philosophy, emphasizes the ephemeral nature of material possessions. It describes everything in the material world as temporary, and attachment to these passing things leads to suffering. Instead, we should focus on the eternal and unchanging reality within.

Curious about the history of yoga? Read The Fascinating History of Yoga

The Christian Perspective on Impermanence: This Too Shall Pass

In the realm of Christian thought, the concept of impermanence may seem paradoxical. However, diving deeper reveals an undercurrent theme describing the impermanence of things of this world, which are contrasted with the eternal truth and everlasting nature of God.

1. Impermanence of the Body

For Christians, our earthly life is only a short journey and a mere shadow compared to the eternity that awaits us in the presence of God. Psalm 103:15-18 (ESV) states, “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”

This passage expounds on the impermanence of our lives. Just as a flower blooms and withers, our earthly lives will too. Realizing this truth helps us to reorient our priorities and focus on God’s will and commands, even amid the impermanent nature of our earthly existence.

2. Impermanence of the Material World

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the impermanence and futility of acquiring possessions and the importance of focusing on storing up heavenly treasures, which will last forever. Matthew 6:19-20 (ESV) “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

No matter how many, or what quality of things we acquire on this earth, they will all fade away. Stuff doesn’t last, and has no eternal significance. Real and lasting wealth is obtained by seeking treasures, or rewards, in heaven.

3. Ecclesiastes: The Impermanence of It All

Ecclesiastes, a wisdom literature book generally attributed to King Solomon, provides insights into the impermanence of things of this world. Solomon laments the futility of chasing after wealth, power, and pleasure, all of which are fleeting. Throughout the book, we learn that human work and emotions are transitory and that the accomplishments do not last. It’s only God’s work and will that lasts forever.

The Recap

Impermanence is an undeniable aspect of this unpredictable, ever-changing adventure of life. It serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and encourages us to focus on the everlasting spiritual truth.

Understanding impermanence can help bring about a sense of peace and resilience by realizing that nothing we experience lasts forever. It leads to awareness of living in the present moment, as things will change in the next. By embracing impermanence, we can learn to live more fully and authentically in the time that we have.

Impermanence is not a cause for despair. Rather, it is an invitation to reflect on the briefness of this life and the eternal promises of God. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God, seek heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones, and surrender to God’s plan. While the world around us is constantly changing, we have a firm foundation in Christ, who helps us navigate the uncertainties of this world and find profound meaning through him.

The Promise of Eternity 

Unlike the yoga philosophy of impermanence, Christianity offers the ultimate hope and counter to impermanence: eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This is beautifully summarized in John 3:16 (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

 This promise offers solace when dealing with the disappointments and frustrations of impermanence. While everything in this world will fade, change, or decay, Christians find hope and comfort in the assurance of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. This allows us to embrace the transient nature of life on Earth, knowing that a greater life, a life everlasting in the presence of God awaits once this one ends. 

 Impermanence alone prepares you for disappointment, impermanence as viewed through the lens of a relationship with God prepares you for a life of love, joy, and a glorious eternity in the presence of God.