Objects undergo change; they are not eternal. They are not Sat, real. (DhyV, p. 20)
The individuals may undergo destruction; but the species will continue. Men may die; but mankind will persist. Trees may fall and be reduced to ash or dust but the genus cannot ever suffer destruction. The living genius is eternal; total destruction can never happen. (SV, pp. 113-114)
The eternal with neither entrance nor exit; The One who neither was nor Is nor Will be; the immortal person free from birth and death. That ever effulgent Atman is Sai for ever. If man asks the question, ‘I am posing this query to the entire world. I have nothing to do with the world. Am I the Truth or not?,’ the answer that he is the Truth will be evident in a few words. We see before our eyes many persons dying, being cremated or buried after death. In spite of this, everyone has a desire, ‘I must live for ever.’ What is the inner meaning of this desire? You are eternal and the idea of immortality arises in you because of this. The body is impermanent, but you are eternal. This truth has to be properly grasped. Whatever one may see, one always declares to himself, ‘I must live, I must live,’ and does not say, ‘I too must pass away one day.’ Even if this idea occurs, it is followed by the desire to live a little longer. Even a hundred-years old ailing man tells the doctor: ‘Please give the injection gently and don’t cause any pain.’ The mind perpetually seeks comfort. (SSS Vol.26, pp. 198-199)
Asthiram Jivanam Loke.
Asthiram Yavvanam Dhanam.
Asthiram Dhara Putradi.
Satyam Kirti Dvayam Sthiram.
Life in the world is impermanent.
Youth and wealth are impermanent.
Wife and children are impermanent.
Only the two - Truth and reputation are permanent.
(Sanskrit sloka)
Only Satyam (truth) and Kirti (fame) are eternal. That is why Brahma is referred to as ‘Satyam’. Jnanam (wisdom) emerged from Satyam. Satyam and Jnanam are all pervasive. That is why the Vedas have declared: ‘Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma.’ God is truth, Wisdom and Infinite. The embodiment of Truth can be experienced only by following the path of Truth. Truth transcends time-past, present and future. (SSS Vol.31)
Ignoring Madhava who is free from Maya; and spending time in things immersed in Maya is fruitless; sorrow alone is the final gain. There is nothing here fit to be worshipped as Eternal. Whomsoever you love, that love has come to an end. The self-same Lord gives and takes! He gives and takes as and when He wishes. Everything is His; so how foolish it is to lament when things belonging to Him are taken back by Him? The wise man will, therefore, not pine over any one or feel undue attachment to anything. Let all pining and all the attachment be for the Lord. He alone is eternal; He is the source of all joy. For the rest, love a thing as a thing, not more. Love man as a Man, not any more. If you love more, it is a sign that have been deceived about the real nature. You can behave only for a short time as if the house you have rented out is your own! For, as soon as the period is over it passes on to another.
If you think on these lines, you will know that the wife, the children, the possessions, the relatives are not yours for long; they are yours for a short time only. So, why waste away worrying over thee impermanent things? A millionaire can eat only one bellyful, not more. Man has to come to this world, like the traveller taking refuge at nightfall in caravanserai; when dawn breaks he departs! He goes towards his goal, from caravanserai to caravanserai, stage by stage. It is good to take life in this light. (DhyV, pp. 31-32)