William Blake: 'He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sun rise.'

He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sun rise.

In this blog article, we will dive into the profound and thought-provoking quote by William Blake: "He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sun rise." Let's begin by summarizing the meaning and importance of this quote in a straightforward manner before delving into an unexpected philosophical concept for added intrigue and comparison.At its core, Blake's quote highlights the transient nature of joy and the fleeting moments of happiness that often pass us by too quickly. The first part of the quote suggests that attempting to hold onto or possess joy like one would a possession can ultimately lead to its destruction. When we try to bind joy to ourselves, we confine it, forcing it to lose its luster and vitality. Instead, Blake encourages us to "kiss the joy as it flies," embracing the fleeting moments of happiness, appreciating them for what they are, and allowing them to depart naturally. The final line of the quote adds a touch of profundity by stating that those who embrace this philosophy can live in the eternal dawning of a sunrise.Now, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to further enhance our understanding of Blake's words. In contemplating this quote, one might consider the concept of impermanence, which resonates strongly in Buddhist philosophy. Buddhist teachings emphasize the impermanent nature of every aspect of existence. They assert that attachment and clinging to anything, be it pleasure or suffering, leads to dissatisfaction and suffering itself. By aligning the Buddhist notion of impermanence with Blake's quote, the parallels become apparent.Just as Blake suggests that binding joy destroys the winged life, Buddhism teaches that attachment to pleasure ultimately causes suffering. The common denominator in both perspectives is the acknowledgment of impermanence as a fundamental aspect of existence. When we grasp onto joy or any other fleeting emotion, we deny the inherent transient nature of all things. Instead, embracing impermanence allows us to cultivate a deep sense of appreciation for each passing moment without trying to confine it within our grasp.Examining Blake's quote through the lens of Buddhism reveals a shared understanding of the fluidity of life. Both teachings encourage us to let go of attachments and embrace the ebb and flow of existence. By recognizing the impermanence of joy, we can fully appreciate and savor each passing moment, understanding that trying to possess it only leads to its demise.Blake's quote takes us beyond simply understanding the importance of embracing impermanence; it points us towards a profound insight - the potential for eternal existence lies in our ability to let go. When we kiss joy as it flies, acknowledging its transient nature, we can tap into something timeless. By relinquishing our need to possess or control joy, we become attuned to the infinite beauty and possibilities that exist in each passing moment.In conclusion, William Blake's insightful quote challenges us to let go of our attachment to joy and to embrace the impermanent nature of existence. Just as the Buddhist concept of impermanence reveals, trying to hold onto fleeting moments deprives them of their essence. Instead, by releasing our grip, we can become immersed in the everlasting beauty of the present moment. So, let us all strive to kiss the joy as it flies, for in doing so, we shall bask in the radiant glow of eternity's sun rise.