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About this quote

What does it mean?
Pleasure is short-lived like a dewdrop, while sorrow lasts longer. True love may emerge from sorrow.
In plain terms
Pleasure ends quickly, but sorrow stays. Love might wake from sorrow.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the temporary nature of pleasure and the enduring depth of sorrow and love.

Where it applies

  • emotional processing
  • grief
  • relationships

Putting it to work

  • accept impermanence
  • embrace sorrow
  • value deep connections

Questions to consider

  • What do you find more enduring?
  • Can sorrow lead to love?

Another view

Sorrow is not universally abiding; resilience can reduce its impact.

More from Rabindranath Tagore

  1. We do not stray out of all words into the ever silent; We do not raise our hands to the void for things beyond hope. ~ 16

    Permalink to quote #31
  2. My heart, the bird of the wilderness, has found its sky in your eyes. ~ 31

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. I am restless. I am athirst for faraway things. My soul goes out in a longing to touch the skirt of the dim distance. O Great Beyond, O the keen call of thy fl…

    Permalink to quote #30

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