- Novice Monk: [Looking thoughtful, gazing up at the sky] Master! Do you think ‘forever’ is really that far away?
- Master: Huh? What do you mean?
- Novice Monk: I remember, right here under this tree, a couple once said they would be together forever but later…
- Master: People usually say ‘forever,’ but it’s often just a span of 3 to 5 years. They say it, but don’t really consider what it means.
- Novice Monk: Is that so? It almost feels like it was all a lie.
- Master: How can that be a lie? The eternity of the future is still eternity, just like the eternity of the past. It’s all about the memories that last.
- Novice Monk: [Looking confused, not entirely understanding yet] Memories?
- Master: Yes. Think about the life once filled with richness, the full moon nights, the soulmates you met. No matter what happens in the future, the feelings you first had will remain.
- Master: The “forever” they spoke of may not last in the physical sense, but those moments—the laughter, the companionship, the deep connection—those are timeless. They live on in the memory, far beyond the years they were made.
- Novice Monk: Oh. Now, I feel like life is really beautiful. However… remembering clearly takes effort. Remembering little things or everyone…
- Master: Well you don’t need to remember every single person. It’s not about remembering everyone. It’s about cherishing the memories of those who shaped your path. The ones who stayed with you, whether near or far. Those moments of connection, of love, are the eternity we carry within us. So just focus on one or two people who truly matter.
- Master: Life is fleeting, but memories can be eternal if we hold them with care. Just as the full moon shines brightly for a time and fades, the essence of the moments we cherish never truly disappears. They remain in our hearts, and in the stories we pass on.
- Novice Monk: [Smiling softly, with a sense of understanding now] I see, Master. Forever may be fleeting, but it’s the memories we carry that make life eternal.
The concept of “forever” is often used in expressions of love or commitment, such as when a couple promises to be together “forever.” Yet, as time passes, these promises sometimes don’t last. It’s not just love, but many things we consider permanent or eternal—whether they are relationships, ideals, or possessions—that ultimately prove to be temporary.
The eternity of the future is just as real as the eternity of the past, but true “forever” resides in the memories we create. While physical presence, promises, and relationships may change or fade with time, the emotional essence of those moments stays with us. “Forever” lives on in memories—those fleeting moments that, despite the passage of time, hold onto their emotional weight. These memories carry the feelings, thoughts, and emotions of the experiences, allowing them to transcend time. This perspective transforms memories from static relics of the past into dynamic, evolving representations of what was meaningful at that moment.
However, remembering all the people and moments that have shaped our lives isn’t always easy. Memories fade or distort over time, but some remain stronger than others. Instead of trying to recall every detail, we can focus on the moments and people that truly matter, creating a lasting connection with the past without the burden of perfection.
Though time passes and people change, the memories we hold are what make life truly eternal. It is in these moments that “forever” lives on, quietly, in the depths of our hearts.
Cherish the moments that matter. Let memory be your eternity.
After reading this, what are your thoughts on it?
