Life in all its splendor

   There is no doubt about the statement: "Life is just to live". There is no other higher purpose than just living a life. However, it is not just that simple. When we see how our grand-father lived in remote villages, at a time when there were no amenities like schools, hospitals, and even basic things like protected water supply, toilets and roads were lacking, let alone cell phones, Television, cinema and hotels, it seems the above statement was correct. They, and we their grand-children lived a very simple life. Even now, it seems that life was far better than what we witness today.

  At 75, when we look back, we find a great change in almost all walks of life. But the essence of life is lost in the present day life. What was soul-fulfilling is missing. We cannot put  the blame for this on anything like education, life-style or increasing family incomes, or anything, for that matter. It is just that mind-set, the attitude and behavior of people. People have misplaced their priorities.   

  The what is the essence of life? The essence of life lies in its living. Living a life of harmony, peace, and happiness- joy from simple things like cool breeze, cool drinking water, a few words with the loved ones, nearest(s) and dearest(s) and some hot agreeable simple food in the company of guests. There was not no mention of money in any of these transactions, and money (a silver One Rupee coin was a rarity! A weekly salary of a meagre R. 3 or Rupees four per week was enough to get things from weekly market and the remaining would come from the fields. This was my Grand-father's life I am narrating.

   Now, it is very clear; where do we stand in the light of all these modern developments- with all amenities at the press of a button? Simply, this life is not satisfying. The tragedy is that the memory of those old days remain a memory.  
  How to combat the situation?
 The problem has solution within itself. When a person finds himself isolated, it is a blessing in disguise. Let's first realize first, the truth of existence is just this: "all living beings are here on this earth in order to fulfil their desires. Desire is the seed of the chain of rebirths. Hence, there is no meaning expecting any reciprocal emotional responses in relationships. Others are not here to serve us. They are here to serve themselves. There is also need to go to others rescue, unnecessarily. There is no need to indulge in others' lives. The first lesson in life is to know the reality of this world.
  The moment an opportunity comes our way, it is advisable to take to meditation. Meditation is the only way to enjoy solitude, connect one with his/her inner self. The inward journey is more difficult than the life we live in the external world. Hence, sooner we take to this, it is better, for redemption of the soul from further embodiment and the inevitable sufferings.