Saturday, November 5, 2011

Search for meaning of life (Article published in Speaking Tree TOI on 04-11-2011)

Our quest for the meaning of life comprises a speculative question with apprehension about our existence, its purpose and significance. When we probe more into this we ask questions: "Who am i?" Why am i here?" "What is my role in this universe?"

Whether one is an atheist, theist, agnostic or a smart mix of all three, these are haunting questions we`ve been asking since long. Some try to find answers while others remain unruffled. The reason why some are undisturbed by these questions is that the answers to these questions are various and they involve drawing from philosophy, theology, ideology and spirituality. The quest for the answers may confuse the seeker but those who are keenly interested to know will find the answers as easily as peeling a banana.

The life of a human being is an opportunity to enable us to move forward from bondage to liberation. To transcend bondage one has to know that the fundamental prerequisite quality is to engage in inquiry. We have the ability to know the how and what of all that we perceive.

Those who never enquire about the nature of life are missing the opportunity to know about life - for it is only in human form that we have the capacity to seek knowledge. Can a dog enquire about the purpose of its life? It is worried more about catering to its basic requirements like food, water and other physical needs. In contrast, the human form of life is gifted with the exceptional ability to enquire beyond these physical needs. While other species possess manomaya kosha, the mental sheath, only humans have vijnanamaya kosha, the wisdom sheath that enables us to pose questions that go beyond basic instincts.

The ability to question is seen in a child that asks questions all the time. As conscious intelligence develops fully and is encouraged, it elevates the level of enquiry, including deeper questions about life. This is the only trump card for us to probe further into the real purpose of our existence and what we need to do to better ourselves in particular and society in general. This probe helps us to rise above insignificant and mundane issues. As one grows spiritually, one tends to think about higher things and so does not get trapped and lost in materialistic matters.

The purpose of life is to realise the inherent bliss and tranquillity within. Once this is understood our self is elevated to higher dimensions wherein it merges with the Absolute. As this awareness is felt we will realise that the rat race we were in to achieve power, riches or fame was really so insignificant - in fact, not worth getting agitated over. No wonder it was providing short-term happiness which has left us with a void feeling.

The answer to the meaning of life is in us and in the journey within. The quest for it outside is unfruitful, tiring and unfocussed. Life starts providing answers as we take the beautiful journey inward. The search within will transform life and showcase the true nature in us. As soon as the true being shines in us the radiance beams a warm glow which accompanies us; then the delusion of this illusory world annihilates and life becomes beautiful and seems to be surrounded by miracles. This is the process of moving from bondage to liberation.

1 comment:

  1. ನಾಹಂ ಕರ್ತಾ
    ನೇದಂ ಮಮ
    ಫಲಮಪಿ ನ ಮಮ
    ಭಗವಾನೇವ
    I fully resonate with the article so well written ! Thank You Sirji !

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