Time Steals All Relationships and Material Possessions – Hindu Teaching – Modern Day Relevance
In Hindu philosophy, one of the most profound teachings is the transient nature of life and worldly possessions. Time (Kāla) is often personified in Hinduism as a powerful force that inevitably steals away everything, be it wealth, relationships, or material possessions. This teaching emphasizes the impermanence of the physical world and stresses the importance of focusing on spiritual goals rather than worldly attachments. It reminds us to seek a deeper, lasting truth, which can only be realized through self-knowledge, devotion, and the pursuit of Brahman (the ultimate reality).
Symbolism of Time (Kāla) in Hinduism
Time in Hinduism is often depicted as a cyclical force that governs the creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe. Lord Shiva, in his form as Mahākāla, is known as the "Lord of Time." His dance of destruction (Tandava) symbolizes the inevitable end of all things in the physical world, including relationships, wealth, and even the universe itself. This reflects the Hindu belief that everything is bound to decay and dissolve over time.
Similarly, Yama, the god of death, is another representation of time's ability to take away life. Yama governs the natural cycle of birth and death, emphasizing that no individual, no matter how wealthy or powerful, can escape the clutches of time. In essence, this reinforces the message that all material possessions, relationships, and even life itself are temporary and ultimately governed by the inexorable force of time.
Importance of this Teaching
This concept teaches humility and non-attachment. As the Bhagavad Gita says:
"For the soul, there is neither birth nor death at any time. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying, and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain." (BG 2:20)
This verse reminds us that our true self (Atman) is eternal and beyond the grasp of time, while our material existence is temporary. By realizing this truth, one can transcend the limitations of time and death and attain liberation (Moksha).
The importance of this teaching lies in its practical application to life. It encourages us to live with an understanding that everything is fleeting, from our youth to our friendships and our riches. Hence, rather than getting lost in the illusion of permanence (Maya), we should aim to rise above worldly desires and cultivate an inward spiritual focus.
Simple Story from Hinduism
One simple story that illustrates this idea is the story of King Yayati from the Mahabharata. King Yayati was a powerful ruler who enjoyed immense wealth, youth, and pleasures. However, due to a curse from Sage Shukracharya, Yayati was forced to become old before his time. Desperate to regain his youth, he asked his sons to exchange their youth for his old age. His youngest son, Puru, agreed to this sacrifice, and Yayati regained his youth. He then indulged in sensual pleasures for many years but soon realized that desires are insatiable. In the end, Yayati understood that no amount of pleasure could bring lasting satisfaction, and he renounced his kingdom to pursue spiritual liberation.
This story illustrates that material possessions, youth, and pleasure are all temporary, and clinging to them will not bring true fulfillment. Ultimately, it is only by turning inward and realizing the eternal nature of the soul that one can find lasting peace.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, the teaching that "Time steals all relationships and material possessions" is more relevant than ever. People often define success by material wealth, power, or the number of social connections they possess. However, as we experience in our own lives, wealth can be lost, relationships can change or fade, and the vigor of youth inevitably declines.
For example, during economic downturns, we see how people can lose their jobs, savings, or even their homes. Relationships, too, can be fleeting; friendships may dissolve over time, and even family ties can weaken due to misunderstandings or distance. The COVID-19 pandemic has also been a stark reminder of how fragile life is and how swiftly things can change. Many people lost loved ones, their health, or financial stability during this time. These events highlight the truth of the Hindu teaching that nothing in the material world is permanent.
However, the teaching does not encourage hopelessness or nihilism. Instead, it encourages people to shift their focus from external, transient things to something more enduring—spiritual growth, self-realization, and inner peace.
Practicality in Day-to-Day Life
Understanding that time will eventually take away everything can be liberating. It allows us to:
Practice Detachment: The Bhagavad Gita advises us to act without attachment to the results. By realizing that time will eventually take away all that we possess, we can perform our duties and enjoy life without becoming overly attached to the outcome. This reduces stress and anxiety.
Focus on What Matters: Since we know that relationships and material things are temporary, we can prioritize building meaningful connections and focusing on our inner growth rather than accumulating wealth or status. Spiritual practices like meditation, yoga, or simple mindfulness exercises can help us stay grounded.
Embrace Impermanence: By accepting the transient nature of life, we can live more fully in the present moment. This acceptance can also make us more compassionate toward others, as we recognize that everyone faces the same inevitable reality.
Additional Thoughts
In a world that constantly emphasizes more—more wealth, more achievements, more social connections—Hindu philosophy teaches us the wisdom of less. Less attachment, less desire, and less identification with the temporary. This does not mean we should renounce the world and live in isolation but rather that we should engage with the world with awareness of its impermanence.
This teaching can also serve as a reminder to take a more balanced approach to life. We should not postpone our spiritual growth or inner reflection in the belief that we can attend to it later. Time is unpredictable, and we may not have as much of it as we think. The pursuit of wealth and relationships should not overshadow our quest for self-knowledge and peace.
Relevant Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita (2:47):
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (3.8.10):
"As a lump of salt dropped in water dissolves into water, so does this great infinite being, the Self, dissolve into Brahman."
Bhagavad Gita (9:22):
"To those who are constantly devoted and who worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."
These teachings point toward the impermanence of the world and the importance of surrendering to the divine or the eternal truth.
Similar Examples from Other Cultures
This theme of impermanence is not exclusive to Hinduism. In Buddhism, the concept of Anicca (impermanence) is one of the three marks of existence, teaching that everything in life is subject to change. Similarly, in Stoicism, a branch of Greek philosophy, there's an emphasis on accepting the inevitability of death and the impermanence of material wealth.
In summary, the teaching that "Time steals all relationships and material possessions" is a central idea in Hinduism with deep spiritual and philosophical significance. It encourages us to move beyond attachment to the temporary and focus on the eternal. In modern times, this teaching is particularly relevant, reminding us to live with awareness, humility, and a focus on spiritual growth. By embracing the inevitability of change, we can live a life of greater balance, peace, and wisdom.