Listen to One of the Greatest Buddhist Songs of All Time

This classic hit may be considered the greatest Buddhist song of all time, but in my music collection the accolade belongs to “Dust in the Wind.” Because to contemplate its meaning is to realize the impermanent nature of things, to see life through the lens of death and by doing so approach the condition of gratitude for the gift of our existence.

Presented here in the form of a lyric video so you can sing along and remember how sad it was – but then, how it was sweet.

DUST IN THE WIND
by Kansas

I close my eyes
Only for a moment, and the moment’s gone
All my dreams
Pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind
All they are is dust in the wind

Same old song
Just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do
Crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind

Now don’t hang on
Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away
And all your money won’t another minute buy

Dust in the wind
All we are is dust in the wind

Dust in the wind
Everything is dust in the wind

For a stream of related metaphors, listen to this poem-turned-song by One Voice Children’s Choir and then revisit ancient teachings on skillful action and right livelihood titled “No Attachment to Dust.”