Mujō (無常)

無 means without or lacking.

常 means permanence or constancy.

Together, they literally mean without permanence, which is the core Buddhist teaching that all things change and nothing remains fixed. This idea became one of the philosophical foundations of Japanese aesthetics.

In cultural practice, Mujō (無常) is not only a doctrine. It shapes how people see the world, how they respond to seasons, how they treat objects, and how they understand their own emotions. It encourages a calm acceptance of change, whether joyful or painful, and invites a person to notice the present moment fully because it will inevitably shift.

In literature and art, 無常 explains why stories often focus on transient beauty, memories, or quiet turning points. In daily life, it appears in the reverence for natural cycles and the careful handling of items that may be simple yet valued while they serve their purpose. Mujō works alongside Mono no aware (物の哀れ), since the recognition of impermanence gives rise to the tender emotional awareness that defines the latter.