George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass is more than a song; it is a profound meditation on the impermanence of life and the spiritual journey of learning to let go. Released as the title track of his 1970 landmark triple album, it captures the essence of Harrison’s philosophical outlook, one shaped by his deep study of Eastern spirituality. For Harrison, who delved into Hinduism, meditation, and the teachings of revered Eastern masters, this song is a reflection of his evolution, his exploration of higher consciousness, and his embrace of life’s inevitable transitions. Through All Things Must Pass, Harrison offers a lesson about uncertainty, impermanence, and the peace that comes with acceptance—timely for any era, yet especially resonant during moments of personal or collective upheaval.

At its core, All Things Must Pass is a song about the transient nature of life. Harrison’s lyrics, “Sunset doesn’t last all evening,” are a reminder that everything—both the joys and the sorrows of life—passes with time. This message of impermanence isn’t one of despair but of acceptance. Drawing heavily from the Eastern spiritual philosophies he had studied, Harrison echoes the Buddhist and Hindu belief that attachment to the material world causes suffering. By reminding listeners that change is inevitable, he encourages them to release their grip on the past and trust the natural flow of life.

Harrison’s spiritual journey, most notably shaped by his time in India, profoundly influenced his worldview and his music. Unlike his fellow Beatles, Harrison took the lessons learned from his experiences with LSD—a substance that opened the doors of perception for the band—and pursued a deeper spiritual path. While John Lennon became more politically active and Paul McCartney continued to create chart-topping music, Harrison turned inward, seeking answers in Eastern philosophy, meditation, and the sacred teachings of spiritual masters.

One of the most important influences on Harrison was Ravi Shankar, the renowned Indian sitar virtuoso who became both a musical and spiritual mentor to him. Shankar introduced Harrison to the sitar, but more importantly, he guided him into the spiritual depths of Indian classical music, where sound and meditation converge. Shankar’s influence helped Harrison understand that music could be a spiritual practice, a path to higher consciousness. Through Shankar, Harrison also encountered Hindu philosophy, particularly the concept of Maya (illusion) and the understanding that attachment to the material world leads to suffering.

As Harrison’s spiritual curiosity deepened, he sought the guidance of other Eastern teachers, including A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Prabhupada’s teachings on bhakti yoga—the devotional practice of loving God, specifically Krishna—profoundly impacted Harrison, who embraced the Hare Krishna mantra as part of his daily spiritual practice. The influence of Prabhupada and the practice of chanting can be felt in much of Harrison’s music, including All Things Must Pass, where the meditative, cyclical nature of the song echoes the practice of japa or the repetition of the divine name.

Harrison was also deeply influenced by Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda’s teachings on self-realization and the unity of all religions resonated with Harrison’s personal belief that all spiritual paths lead to the same truth. This idea of spiritual unity, alongside the teachings of non-attachment, permeates All Things Must Pass. Yogananda’s emphasis on meditation and inner awakening gave Harrison a framework for understanding the impermanence of life, a theme he so beautifully articulates in the song.

Another significant influence on Harrison was Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, under whom Harrison and the other Beatles studied Transcendental Meditation (TM). While the Beatles eventually distanced themselves from the Maharishi, Harrison continued to practice meditation throughout his life, finding solace and clarity through this spiritual discipline. Meditation became Harrison’s way of finding inner stillness amidst the chaos of the world—a key theme in All Things Must Pass, where the song’s steady rhythm and introspective lyrics evoke a sense of calm in the face of life’s inevitable changes.

The message of All Things Must Pass is particularly powerful when viewed through the lens of Harrison’s own experiences. The song was written during a period of great transition, both for Harrison personally and for the world at large. The breakup of the Beatles marked the end of an era, both musically and culturally, and for Harrison, it was a moment of both loss and liberation. The song reflects his process of letting go of the past and stepping into the uncertainty of the future, embracing the idea that all things—both good and bad—must pass.

The wisdom in All Things Must Pass lies in its embrace of life’s impermanence. The song speaks not only to the transient nature of external events but also to the internal process of release. Harrison’s lyrics encourage listeners to let go of attachments, whether they be to relationships, material possessions, or even to suffering. The acceptance of change is portrayed not as a defeat, but as a necessary part of the spiritual journey. Just as the sun sets and the night falls, only to give way to a new dawn, Harrison reminds us that every moment in life is temporary, and with each ending comes the promise of a new beginning.

In a world often consumed by fear of the unknown and the desire for control, Harrison’s message in All Things Must Pass offers a soothing balm. The song doesn’t deny the pain that comes with loss, but it provides a gentle reminder that this too shall pass. It’s a lesson in accepting life’s cycles, trusting in the natural unfolding of events, and finding peace in the present moment.

All Things Must Pass is more than just one of Harrison’s greatest songs—it is a spiritual teaching, a call to embrace uncertainty, and a reminder that life’s impermanence is what makes it beautiful. Harrison’s study of Eastern philosophy gave him the tools to navigate life’s inevitable changes, and through his music, he shared that wisdom with the world. In a time of personal or collective upheaval, Harrison’s song remains a timeless reminder of the power of letting go and the peace that comes with acceptance.