Sunday, August 04, 2013

What frightens me most?

The sight of a fragile old person who is as dependent as an infant for his/her existence frightens me the most. The thought that one day, I will be like that, so helpless that I would need somebody's help for everything. The question comes to my mind, what does that old person think? What is the motivation for this old person to continue his life, when he/she knows that he/she is so weak to do anything at all. Wouldn't it be better to end this misery? But reasons of moral obligation do not permit to do this or is the reason a love for life?

Maybe I have a very pessimistic outlook. Looking from another point, this can be perceived as the strongest point of humans, the eternal hope even in the very difficult circumstances.

Philosophical Conversations : Purpose of Life

Disciple: Swamiji, what is the purpose of life?

Swamiji: Life has no purpose. Just like all other beings on this earth, we come into existence and we walk out of it. It's the human ego that makes us think we are more important than other beings and others, and that we are significant enough to make a difference.

Disciple: I am enlightened Swamiji. This puts an end to my long search for the purpose of life. But I have another question. If life has no purpose then how should I live my life (from the time I take birth to the time I die)? Should it really matter if I take the path of Good or the path of Bad?

Swamiji: Ah! You think too much. Let me tell you a trick. Stop questioning and you'll find happiness. Ignorance is Bliss.

Disciple: Sure it is. But should I be purusing happiness or should I be pursuing knowledge?

Swamiji: Now you are starting to annoy me. You are not following my advice.

Knowledge vs Happiness

What should be the goal of life?

Should life be a pursuit of happiness or a pursuit of knowledge?

For long I have believed that life is all about being happy but as per Vivekananda, life should be a pursuit of knowledge. I haven't understood his reasoning, but I will think over it.