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Diese Muhsal, durch noch Ungetanes schwer und wie gebunden hinzugehen, gleicht dem ungeschaffnen Gang des Schwanes. Und das Sterben, dieses Nichtmehrfassen jenes Grunds, auf dem wir taglich stehen, seinem angstlichen Sich-Niederlassen-: in die Wasser, die ihn sanft empfangen und die sich, wie glucklich und vergangen, unter ihm zuruckziehn, Flut um Flut; wahrend er unendlich still und sicher immer mundiger und koniglicher und gelassener zu ziehn geruht.

Rainer Maria Rilke#23

SpiritualityDeathBurdenPeaceSadness

About this quote

What does it mean?
The heavy, uncompleted walk of a swan resembles a burdened path; death is the inability to grasp the ground we stand on, sinking into gentle waters that receive us, flowing endlessly while we become ever calmer and more regal.
In plain terms
Life’s burdens feel like a swan’s awkward walk; death releases us into soothing, endless flow, granting peace and dignity.
What can you take from it?
Accept the inevitable transition of death as a source of calm and dignity.

Where it applies

  • grief
  • end‑of‑life care

Putting it to work

  • practice mindfulness of impermanence
  • offer compassionate support

Questions to consider

  • How does viewing death as water change our grief?
  • What does 'regal' mean in the context of dying?

Another view

The imagery may be too abstract for practical coping.

More from Rainer Maria Rilke

  1. Der Abend wechselt langsam die Gewander, die ihm ein Rand von alten Baumen halt.

    Permalink to quote #22
  2. I am so afraid of people's words. They describe so distinctly everything: And this they call dog and that they call house, here the start and there the end. I …

    Permalink to quote #24
  3. Herr: es ist Zeit. Der Sommer war sehr gro?. Leg deinen Schatten auf die Sonnenuhren, und auf den Fluren la? die Winde los.

    Permalink to quote #21

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