Time Grows Shorter As We Age – A Lesson in Wisdom and Diligent Effort

Have you ever noticed that when we were children, the New Year seemed endless, but as we grew older, the years slipped past like a gust of wind? That feeling is not because time itself has changed, but because our own consciousness is gradually maturing. Today, through a teaching by Venerable Thích Chân Quang, let us reflect on the philosophy of time – a subject that may seem dry, yet is deeply relevant and practical for our spiritual life.

Why does time feel shorter as we age?

As children, we live in a world full of novelty, and every experience leaves a deep impression on our minds, making time seem to stretch. But as we grow up, life becomes familiar, our hearts are stirred less often, and we gradually feel time passing quickly. Venerable Thích Chân Quang explains: "Time keeps growing shorter as we age… This is a sign by which we can judge whether a person has wisdom or not." This change is not an illusion, but the result of wisdom growing ever clearer, helping us see through the impermanence (anicca) of time.

As wisdom grows, space and time shrink. The sages say a thousand years is like a single moment – that is not imagination at all, but simply the result of wisdom.

The shortness of time – a reminder to practice diligently

If time is truly short, what should we do? Venerable Thích Chân Quang emphasizes: "We must practice with diligent effort; there is no other path. There is not much time left for us to idle away, not much time left for us to play and grow lazy." But diligence does not mean rushing or being hasty. He warns against two extremes: one is laziness, thinking there is still plenty of time; the other is practicing with such urgency that we lose balance and easily fail. What matters is holding to the middle way – striving ceaselessly while remaining at ease, never letting greed drive us forward.

If we see time passing quickly and become hasty and impatient, practicing too much, we will soon go mad. But if we think time is not short and grow lazy, we will remain sunk in samsara (cycle of rebirth) forever.

Sharing joy – the path taught by the Buddha

A person who practices correctly does not only care for themselves. "Whatever is good, we always think of others" – that is the spirit of the Buddha's teachings (Dharma). When we attain the joy of the Dharma, let us share it with everyone. Venerable Thích Chân Quang offers an example: "If you have cooked a delicious dish, who would want to close the door and eat it alone?" Joy multiplies when it is shared. Even in practice, if we only withdraw into ourselves, we will lack motivation and easily fall into laziness. Therefore, seek companions in practice, join a practice community, and progress together.

As rice needs soup, practice needs companions. Thanks to practicing together with spiritual brothers and sisters, we dare not break the precepts, and we dare not grow lazy.

Tolerance and honesty

Within a practice community, we need two principles: first, to be tolerant and loving toward one another, even when someone has faults; second, to avoid being two-faced – not going along with the crowd, and not hiding our shortcomings. Venerable Thích Chân Quang tells a story: "Once a teacher came to tell me about the faults of a fellow practitioner. I knew everything already, but I loved that brother, and I would find a way to correct his faults later." Brotherhood on the path is unconditional love, but it also requires sincerity so that we can help one another improve.

Conclusion: Live each moment fully

Time waits for no one. The more wisdom we have, the more clearly we see how brief this human life is. But do not let anxiety steal your peace. Practice with diligent effort, share your joy with others, and always keep a heart of compassion and tolerance. Every day that passes is an opportunity to cultivate merit. Do not let time slip away in vain. Begin today, with the smallest of things, so that this life may truly be meaningful.