A search for understanding

All thoughtful people, I find, are searching for an understanding of the reality that exists around them. The world is so complex and mysterious that it calls for an explanation. And, for each individual, an interpretation does exist. What is the truth about the transcendent reality?

There are, in reality, only two possible paths. The one is quite concise and even basic, one would say. There is nothing. I am simply here as a biological entity through a quirk of nature. When I die, I am dead — expunged! The other way, however, opens the door to endless possibilities. There are so many paths and beliefs, and all claim that they lead to God.

Now the purist would say that my religion, my view of faith, is the correct one. This is a wonderful realization. Everyone deserves a route to their understanding of the Universe. The difficulty arises when people try to aggressively proselytize. This is a recipe for conflict, unfortunately, and has been used in history to shroud countless wars in moral justification. This response can’t be true, can it? One must be respectful and open, even if I believe that I have the answer.

There then, can be no such thing as a just war. (1) All wars are evil by definition. Each human being intrinsically knows this. People are basically good. Aberrant behavior does exist, but for the most part, righteousness prevails. If this were not true, how could there be unsullied new life? A newborn baby is stunning in its purity, its wonder. Therefore, the best advice for our spiritual quest must come from Pascal and his Wager. (2). It is often stated that people with a belief in something beyond the vicissitudes of life are happier and more well-adjusted. (3)

We have but three questions to honestly answer: Why am I here? What is my mission in life? Where will I go when I leave this mortal plane? If these can be answered to an individual’s satisfaction, then a positive and dynamic life will flow and a beginning to understanding life’s many mysteries will rush to the proverbial sea.

The great essayist, Joseph Addison, (4) leaves us with a thought: The union of the Word and the Mind produces that mystery which is called Life … Learn deeply of the Mind and its mystery, for therein lies the secret of immortality.

A closing thought: It behooves each of us to be a moral agent and attempt to make this world, though transient, a better place. Any attempt at human kindness elevates the recipient and adds happiness and joy to their day. This helps in understanding our place in time.

To sum up: This week, we spoke about the search for an understanding of life.

To be noted: From Francis Bacon (5) — Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand — and melting like a snowflake.

Just for fun: