Chōmei immediately begins the work with analogies of a river and a home to show mujo. He explains, "“The current of a flowing river does not cease, and yet the water is not the same water as before. The foam floats on stagnant pools, now vanishing, now forming, never stays the same for long. So, too, it is with the people and dwellings of the world.” " Throughout the essay, he draws comparisons to highlight the impermanence of life and events. Buddhist influences are inclusive in Chomei's work. Chomei understands Buddha's ideology of not becoming attached to material things, but Chomei believes is that what is important is the way in which things are dealt with. The actions that people take, or where they go are not really important in life since nothing truly ever lasts. This includes buildings, wealth, and homes.