A star in the sky seems permanent, for it appears the same each and every night. But it is no more permanent than we are. Like us, it will eventually burn out and die. A blossom on a tree seems temporary, for it might last only a few more days before vanishing. But it is no more temporary than we are. Like us, it is sealed into history for all eternity.

All things are impermanent (in time) and permanent (in eternity). This is the nature of our experience and of the reality in which we must live. Everything lasts for only a finite time and yet it also goes on forever, since what has happened cannot ever be changed.