Voltaire said:
“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.”
Wise words, as it’s through asking questions that we grow, evolve, and make progress. Raising new questions can give rise to new possibilities and to the ability to regard old problems from a new angle.
The crux lies in the underlying intent of the question. Because questions can be asked in a variety of ways, for example…:
- With genuine interest in the answer…
- Without really caring about what the answer is (like many “how-are-yous” and “what’s ups”)…
- Or in a rhetoric way, either to point out something blatantly obvious with a rhetorical question that doesn’t require an answer, or to put someone on the spot by giving them a hard time.
The latter case is often used as a subtle way to try and discredit the messenger with a question that’s impossible to answer. The lack of a (satisfying) answer is then used as an argument that everything they say must not be true or worth mentioning.
While I get all types of questions, this particular kind is one I receive with a certain degree of regularity. Occasionally the question is a subtly disguised attack on me personally, other times it goes somewhat along the lines of:
“You think you know the answer to everything… So since you’re obviously such a smart-ass, answer me this: What’s the meaning of life? Bet you don’t know the answer to that one…”
Now truth be told, the age-old question of “what-the-hell-it’s-all-about” is an interesting one to ask. Many of the greatest minds of all ages have devoted their lifelong attention to it.
But since a lot of us are still asking it, it doesn’t seem like a universally satisfactory explanation has been found yet.
So then the “smart-ass” must know, right?
Now I admit:
During my relatively short time here on this plane of existence, I’ve asked myself this question too. Many times actually.
And I’ll tell you my personal answer in a minute.
But first, a little background…
(Smart-Assed) Backdrop
Let me make one thing abundantly clear:
In no way whatsoever am I trying to be some big-time guru with all the answers. Nor would I ever pretend that I know the answer to anyone’s questions.
In fact, in my experience, those who pretend they know the answer to everything there is to ask (particularly the ones that shout the loudest), are usually merely confirming that they don’t.
All I can do is share with you what I have come to understand from my own experience. Then it’s up to you to see if that resonates with you, and if it’s something you can put to use for yourself.
The truth is, no one does have all the answers, because we’re all having a subjective experience. The language of life and ‘the universe’ is one of paradox. And ultimately, only you have the answer to your particular questions.
As for me, I’ve been asking my questions of “what-the-hell-it’s-all-about” from an early age.
In part, this was probably encouraged by the situation I grew up in. I have two younger brothers who both have a mental/intellectual handicap, one of whom is also autistic to top it off. Since this was just always the way it was and in a sense I simply never knew any better, for the better part of my childhood I never really gave it any thought.
But ultimately, I started to wonder:
Why was I gifted with the intellectual abilities that allowed me to roll through grammar school and get me two university degrees without much trouble, on educational fields that I didn’t even like, while my younger brothers were more like the exact polar opposite?
In a situation like that, a dude is bound to ask questions, such as:
- Where does this extreme intellectual contrast come from?
- Was I just ‘lucky?’
- And [recalling a vivid memory of an actual event] what the hell am I doing here analyzing the financial viability of this plan for optimizing this middleware application for decision-modeling evaluation of whether or not to state-subsidize local shrimp farms in this far out ‘no-man’s-land’ corner of this insignificant country I live in anyway (even though I’m paid well for this meaningless and mind-numbing ‘work’)? What’s that all about?
- Who am I anyway… and what the hell are we all doing here anyway?
I had to admit that I didn’t know… which only added to the inner friction I felt at the time.
So the next step was to try and put it all in perspective, by making sense of the rest of the world. I read newspapers and watched the news… and all I saw was war, famine, disease… you name it.
So again, in a situation like that, a dude is bound to ask questions, such as:
- Am I just lucky?
- Who the hell am I anyway?
- What the hell are we all doing here anyway?
- What’s this fuss all about?
In short, I stumbled upon the age-old questions that wise-cracking sages of all times and from all over the world have bent their wise heads over.
Many people go through the twists and turns of their own lives and ultimately reach a point where they start asking similar questions. And when they can’t seem to find a satisfactory answer themselves, they look for others to answer their questions for them… such as religious leaders, political leaders, clever professors, “smart-asses,” and so on…
But for me personally, none of them were ever able to give me any answers that were satisfactory to me.
So for years I kept pondering, giving myself a hard time because everything I did with my life seemed so insignificant. But I kept doing what I was doing anyway, wondering why the hell I was even doing it…
And I can tell you one thing:
Devoting my life to doing what I really didn’t want to do, while not seeing any perspective or purpose in what I was doing, did not uplift my spirit…
In fact, the whole thing became rather depressing, and after a while I even started manifesting in some ‘physical’ health issues.
But then one day it suddenly occurred to me… ironically through a song I heard that was titled “The Answer:”
“Oh, the answer lies beyond the pain
All the questions in our minds, we surely ask in vain”
I suddenly understood that there is no single answer to all the questions of life. My experience had already confirmed that idea, because every new answer I found merely brought up a new question. As such, in the words of the song, they were all asked in vain.
Now you may wonder:
“How the hell does that help me?”
Well, stick with me for just another moment… Because once this realization really kicked in, it was one of the most liberating experiences of my life… and it also became my answer, as well as my pragmatic approach to the question of the ‘meaning of life.’
Wanna know what it was?
Sit down for this one:
For all intents and purposes, life might as well have NO MEANING AT ALL.
No really, let me explain…
“How Can Life Possibly Have No Meaning??”
Our lives are just a subjective experience of ourselves (and our inner states). However, that doesn’t mean it’s just a mere shuffle from cradle to grave with some weird stunts and streaks in between. Instead:
For the pragmatist, the key is to give it meaning… i.e. to deliberately and actively bring meaning to it yourself.
That’s ultimately the decree of what I’ve referred to as ‘creative mode’ in other articles. (<– For example, learn more about ‘creative mode’ here…)
But hey, I’m just some ‘smart-ass’… Don’t take my word for it. Here’s a video of a wise sage dedicating a few words to the topic: (<– The most relevant part in the context of this article starts at about 1:45 minutes in and runs until about 3:08…)
Now that’s a smart aleck!
Or otherwise, take Viktor Frankl… He was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who spent years as an inmate in bestial Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War.
While his father, mother, brother, and his wife died in the camps or were sent to the gas ovens so that his entire family perished (except for his sister), he himself is well-known today as a Holocaust survivor.
So how in the world could this guy… with every possession lost… every value destroyed… suffering from hunger, cold and brutality… expecting extermination on an hourly basis… find a life worth preserving?
He chronicled his experiences in a book, and wrote the following:
“Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life. To life he can only respond by being responsible.”
So sure, you can keep asking questions (in vain), but you’ll never find anything but new questions… Because there will never be an answer until you deliberately embody whatever yours is. And that realization is the only thing any guru or (or smart-ass for that matter) will ever be able to help you with.
Once you stop trying to fill supposed voids in yourself and decide to release the pain, anger, guilt, frustration, or whatever it is that’s holding you back… you’ll know what it is that will bring meaning to your life.
That’s why all my articles, materials, and communications merely try to give you tools and insights to help you see beyond barriers that you may or may not have noticed yet… even harmonize the fundamental inner imbalances that may be distorting your entire outlook and causing those barriers… and thus to get you to learn to think for yourself from an undistorted, honest, genuine place.
This way, you can come up with your own answers, and respond to life in a way that’s an expression of who you define yourself to be.
Remember that song “The Answer” I mentioned? It concludes as follows:
“Now I know the answers never meant a thing
And with each instant that I breathe, I feel the joy that life can bring”
And that brings us to the conclusion of this article…
So What To Do Now?
Here’s a thought:
Bring meaning to your life in the way that genuinely gives you the feeling of doing so. That’s how you live on purpose instead of ‘at random.’ And that’s how you’ll make yourself happy and fulfilled.
No one can tell you your purpose, or the meaning of your life. We all need ask that to ourselves. And we all must accept the responsibility that our answers prescribe.
In this regard, it’s worth noticing that life constantly gives you hints. To begin interpreting those, ask yourself:
- What gives me genuine joy and fulfillment?
- For me, what would give a sense of meaning to my life?
Your answers to those questions will provide clues to what would be the right direction for you.
Often, it’s merely a matter of admitting to yourself what you really want out of life. From there, seek out ways in which you can either make that happen all by yourself, or somehow make an active contribution to a relevant endeavor that extends beyond yourself alone and allows you to align with like-minded spirits.
That’s how you give yourself a sense of purpose, and that’s how you bring genuine meaning to your life. Because you’ll step into a mind space that’s built on your concept of genuine happiness and fulfillment. And that’s a prerequisite to stepping into your authentic ‘flow’ in life.
You don’t immediately have to stop everything you’re doing and start dedicating your entire life to whatever it is for you… Nor do you have to figure out the whole caboodle and all the details of how to it in advance… Just take some initial strides to get yourself going… and the next steps will reveal themselves along the way.
And as you continue on that path and remain consistent, you’ll find that life will reflect the happy and fulfilled inner state that results from this, and will thus start delivering more and more of what you really want.
“Famous Last Words”
So what are you waiting for? Find a way to bring meaning to your life, and then take the steps to actually do it!
It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. We’re talking about your life here… not some random shuffle from cradle to grave.
And besides the fact that this is the only way to bring a sense of true happiness and fulfillment to your own life experience, the truth is that this isn’t just about you… There’s actually a lot more to it:
We’re often conditioned to think that making ourselves a priority in life is egostistical and selfish, but in this sense it’s not. (<– That is, as long as you come from ‘creative mode,’ and especially if your gifts are ultimately put to use for the benefit of others – whether that’s directly or indirectly.)
The dance of your life is part of a much larger play… the beauty of which nevertheless does depend on your individual performance… at least in part.
Author Steven Pressfield perhaps said it best: (<– emphasis mine…)
Sometimes I can not believe how naive I can be. Never would I think that you get the negative emails you sometimes receive. It is really hard for me not to judge these people,
I practice Hooponopono and so I will clean on that kind of ignorance for it must be in me too.
Having said that, you have shown up in my life exactly when I need to hear what you had to say.
I particularly like what you said about joining an already cause that Is in line with what I am up to.
Thank you for this!!!
I appreciate your honest statements and your authentic being. Thank you for that
What you have described in the blog, resonated with my search for answer to the question, “Is life has meaning or one has to give meaning to one’s own life”.
I always has this passing thought that “If one is not alive, nature will continue to run its course, while that person’s hopes and dreams die with him/her. In other words, nothing matters to the person any more, meaning or no meaning.
So, it is good to finish exemplary what it is destined for him/her by destiny or to do one’s dream and aspiration while one is still alive and capable.
If you were ask this question directly about: How is life with you now? In other words how do you view life now, how would you answer? The answer can be many. For some people life is hard, life is difficult, and life is boring. How will you want your Life project to end up? Prematurely, abandon, never winning, never happening and unsuccessful? What would have happen if the fertile egg (you) that was conceived had come up premature, aborted, abandon or stop moving? Guess what? You will not have been here listening or reading this page right now
Brilliant and inspiring. The wisdom of that little boy is breathtaking, and the Viktor Frankl quote was a good reminder. I am deeply impressed. Thank you.
Fabulous! Enlightening and inspiring
its the age old conundrum. searching for a meaning is what almost all humans do their whole life. fortunate is the human that finds it early in their life
Thank you Henk for your gifts shared! It has taken me 66 years of living to answer the ‘who am I?’ and ‘why am I here?’ questions, I have come to answer them through letting go of the need to know certainty and of giving service to a family member, And now on this day, in this year I know I have more to give, Steven Pressfield’s poem hit the spot: “Don’t cheat us of your contribution…Give us what you’ve got”. ALL contributions for the betterment of others has immeasurable value.
Thanks for this. It opened my eyes to some common questions. I need to move my thinking to a more positive flow.
Dear Henk: As always, your contributions are the most meaningful that I receive. I agree with you totally, in that I also believe that our perceptions, goals, priorities, etc. are all very individual. By the way, what an intelligent and precious nine year old- perceptive way beyond
his years. Thank you so much.
For me personally it is really a question, impossible to answer, just
like if you ask, what is the end to space. General people like us are
not able to fathom matters, that lies beyond the logic rules of logic.
“What is the meaning of life?” is impossible to answer, just like the
concept “endlessness” is impossible to define!
Good article, thanks. I agree, especially with regards to joy. For me it is important to find joy. Every time something in my life does not bring me joy, I look at it to determine why. Sometimes this takes a while but I find it is worth the effort as long as I find more joy through deciding who I want to be. Quite often it takes action and effort to fight out of those “boxes” that I have allowed myself to be placed in. Those inner fights were not always easy because I was trained so well to be a certain way and to allow no other way of being. In the end however, it is all good. I keep expanding and as I do the struggles disappear.
My “meaning” seems to come from the inner push to be “myself”…in fullness. Ever since I can remember I felt I was simply “BAD”. I knew intellectually it was not true but acting on that intelligent understanding didn’t help at all….frequenttly made it worse.
And that quite simply seems to be my path…my spiritual Path.
And slowly I am emerging….
Out of the head and into the heart! Love it!
Thanks, I needed to hear that again “I give meaning to my life”. What about Eckhart Tolle and Neale Donald Walsch’s messages as I understand it, that just being is our contribution. We so often stress that we aren’t doing enough or we can’t figure out our purpose, etc. etc. I’m a single mother who raised three beautiful, healthy, intelligent children in a secure home. I woke up one day and realized that I could no longer stand the job I had so I took early retirement and let go of the house to pay my debt and see where life takes me. It feel irresponsible but liberating. I still struggle with “What if…..” but I am working on trusting the flow of life.
Then I listened to Kyle Cease who says we should get comfortable with not knowing and Michael Singer with The Surrender Experiment and Anita Moorjani who said too much information can get confusing. My understanding of life is that it shouldn’t be such hard work. Yes “Don’t Worry, be Happy”, you will make your contribution whether you tried or not.
Thank you for the work you do and the video of the nine year old was a real treat. Children are so amazing and undamaged. I remember while I was growing up, everybody else seemed to know how things should be done. What made them think they were right? I am 56, what took me so long to follow my own truth? At least I’m waking up to what life is all about. Some people never do.
Thanks ever so much.. The complimentary version of Crack your Egg has been so helpful. I am 56 years old and have been very lucky despite many egg marks early in life I managed to stay mostly on course, not circuming to, too many of those blind spots & filters that cause most people to only react to life rather than pilot their own destinies. However, after suffering heart failure I lost my way, my purpose and started reacting instead. I was not able anymore to engage in my life’s work & my passion which gave me a great sense of fulfillment, because of my illness. Your work here has served to wake me up. Your idea on the meaning of life is spot on & it’s in part the philosophy how I conducted my life. I believe that we all have an innate understanding of this when we start out on this journey we call life. Some where we Lost touch with it. The 9 year old boy was awesome & supports my theory. When my first son was born, I recall looking into his eyes. I mentioned to my wife how it seemed as though he knew something the rest of us didn’t, or forgot, like he knew all the secrets of the universe. I think all of us know these things and life experiences, ( your Egg Marks ) teach us to forget. Most kids know these things until their told no enough times. Your work, thankfully is great help in restoring that connection that we all instinctively knew from birth.
I love this! How refreshing and spot on – your writing is such a treat and a comfort!
Wow…complicated, but simple…awe inspiring!
Coming at a time when I wonder how many more curved balls will come my way the timing of this article is perfect. I am being challenged to accept reality as it is on a new level and with that in living fully in the ‘plot’ by which I notice I gain even deeper clarity of what I want MY life to be and mean to ME.
I will use these points to support me in my journey and be even more deliberate in living my life on purpose…
Your work is so genuine and touches my heart, my mind and my soul. I also love the comments of this community. Thank you, thank you all!
Really an interesting message about the meaning of life and a boy of 9years old understands the concept of the meaning of life in true perspective, he would have no fear about his life and will lead his life with a purpose. This is to be made to understand by the children in the present scenario.
Beautifully explained! Thank you! I have to share this with my family and friends.
Details, Details, Details—and you just keep wondering where do I find the facts to back up the meaning of all those details in my life. This certainly add more to the puzzle we call life but that little angel got it like right on! Even at that age he is well beyond the wisdom of so many who will go from cradle to grave without even a thought of what life was all about…just random pieces of time all laid out until the end….and then asking the question of GOD—why did I even exist? This is our time for ourselves to explore all we see, feel, touch, taste, imagine and do within this short time we have and with all that you put YOUR meaning into the mix and call it YOUR LIFE! Interestingly enough no two people, places or things are the same so how can anyone TELL you what your life is all about—-make it a journey with meaning and suffice that you have life a LIFE of your own choosing—not just random or dictate—but LIVED!
life is not a big riddle as is made out to be.It is not that we do not have an answer. We are not prepared to accept the answer. All that is created cannot be purposeless.There is a purpose in creating such beautiful universe including us. The purpose is to obey the creator. How should i know what creator wants me to obey and do. Think and search
As usual, you bring insight, not hype…
The thoughts you share assure me that I am in the right path towards what’s best for me, leaving behind a kind of life that was at a time fulfilling but that ceased to be, trying to do my best where I’m at right now.
Not easy at first to take responsibility for your life, but once you know… you can’t pretend you don’t know…
In my mind, spirit, actions and everything I am, I’m geared towards what I want to do to help others and find peace of mind.
Thanks, thanks
Years ago, I was watching a PBS show w/Joseph Campbell. He addressed this question also…”What is the meaning of Life?”
He basically said that life has no meaning. Life just IS…it is each person that gives meaning to life.
That seems to be the case, as has been stated here much more eloquently than I could ever elucidate.
All the comments embody mine. It’s much better to read this kind of material than the mainstream hyperbole ! ! ! Danke schoen !
Love your articles. A lot of food for thought. Keep up the great work.
I have read a couple of such articles you’ve sent me before and did get a piece of fruit you intended to share; but this time, with this particular one, I feel you have hit the right note which resonates with me. I have read works of the writers you’ve quoted here and appreciate more of your intepretation of their writings. Much as I have heard many times before of the purpose in one’s life, it had always felt like it had to come from someone else rather than deciding it myself by pragmatically working towards my fulfillment, a manner which could lead one to susceptibility to being brainwashed and used by others’ to fulfil their purposes and; for this realization and your contribution to me, “I thank you”.
The purpose and meaning of life, now makes sense as to where it ought to come from. I love it where you mention that one must make themselves ” to bring meaning to their lives in a manner that gives them genuine feeling that they are doing so”. Then in that way the purpose would be clear which is the sole purpose of life I agree.
I love the poet Rainer Maria Rilke especially in his poem:
“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart.
Try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms
and like books that are written in a foreign tongue.
Do not seek the answers, which cannot be given you
because you would not be able to live them
And the point is to live everything.
Live the question now.
Perhaps you will then gradually,
without noticing it,
live along some distant day
into the answer.”
Dear Henk , I love your articles, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great stuff, as always! I’ve actually been thinking this same thing for a few years, but YOU put it into the WORDS that were only my NEBULOUS THOUGHTS. I’ve been following a few so-called “gurus” for a few years, but this is by far the closest to THE TRUTH that I believe I’ve heard so far. Bravo!!
thank you i do truly enjoy your writing-now from one smart ass to another. it is true that the more i learn the less i know and that is the answer for me.i am a child of God,of the creator,of source and it is my task to learn,not just learn but be the knowledge,the power,the wisdom,the ultimate love of the creator.it is my task to learn and to help others to learn,to be the God child that we are…
forever smile gently
What a great article. I have discovered my life of purpose. It involves sharing what I
learned though experience without having an agenda. I can only share what has happened
to me and what I have learned from the good and bad. It can be a great relief to share these
very different experiences as it speeds up your own journey to your higher self. I have a
great book to recomend ” Design your Destiny” by Guy Finley. I picked it up at a used book
it is out of print. Thank you again for affirmation Rom.
Actually, for me, the only sensible answer to the question of the meaning of life is simply – observation. We are here to observe both ourselves and others, learn the lessons and take our new found knowledge back to the other planes from which we presumably came, mysterious as they may seem from our current perspective. Some time ago I adopted the philosophy of “get a box of popcorn, sit back and watch the show”. This attitude has brought me a great deal of peace and tranquility. Thanks so much for sending your ongoing insights.
Thank you so much. Came just when my thoughts were aligning in a similar direction. This article came as though to validate it and strengthen it. I needed that indeed. Thanks a zillion!
Sweetheart—-I hope you don’t take the “smart-ass” (or dumb-ass, or any other insults) seriously. As you know, people often respond out of fear or ignorance, or both. You are a gift to us all, and very intelligently driven in what you do. The rest of us think you’re the greatest. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT ARTICLE!
Charlene Potterbaum, You rock and you create,just listened to a speaker today saying how he observed a room of elderly people and he said something is not right . After a little time it came to him and it was that they had given up,given up on creating their lives and were happy to spend the remainder of their days like that.He said they looked happy but they had given up. Go Woman Go,you inspire me Yes.
You Rock you Smart ASS. I love donkeys such soulful creatures:).
Thank you for such an excellent article. I learned and am ready to implement what I learned into practice. Because of your excellent ability to write, I learn when I read your articles. You communicate with such ease and clarity, I read your articles with joy. Thank you!
Thank you
Thank you so much for the reminder!
The line from the quote by Steven Pressfield that starts with “You shame the angels who watch over you”, that was the kicker for me!
I really appreciate your smart assedness?!? Please keep it up!
This will make you smile…I am almost 81 years old, but I finally wrestled that “too late–too old” dragon right down to the ground and stood on his neck, as I shouted, “No! I am just RIPE for becoming a Life Coach!” So I signed up and am now in training as a Life Coach. On signing up, I was relieved to see that they did not want the year I was born…only the date and day. Later, I told someone that that was a good thing, as my birth certificate was so old, they used “Roman numerals!” But I am having the time of my life–the training itself requires transformation, but that only gives me more JOY! By the way, I always enjoy your input! Love, Char
Thank you for this wonderful article you sent about “meaning of Life”…with such a wise commentary by a 9 yr old boy.
It’s a blessing to read the comments re: the article…they are all so wonderful too…thank you all…may all of us have a blessed loveful, happy and harmonius life!
yes that makes a lot of sense, as I believe spirit and humans are one and the same, after all my higher self resides in me, and I go through life experiencing the highs and lows, which my higher self takes notes.
the when I ( my higher self ) leave my human body, I go back home to discuss the experience. and find out if I need to learn more to evolve further. Experience is the thing that separates us from each other. whether we are human or spirit.
one other point —-
Wasn’t that a highly evolved child.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could just get out of our own way?
Love seems to come up often in the comments.
I do know that when you believe you have found the perfect meaning of your own life and it is taken away from you, the question is a little more difficult to answer the second time around
“[…] We all need ask that to ourselves.”[…]
Any particular ‘self’ I should pick out to pose some questions to? The lazy self, the artistic self, the scientific self, the spiritual self, the self who believes bs like the crappy evolution theory (oops, that was the mystical self interrupting me, the cynical self :-), the ‘scared for its own shadow’ self – I, the smart ass self, could go on like this for a while longer, but I think I’ve made my point, right?
Depending on which ‘self’ (or which ‘ego’, if you look at ego as being some kind of person inside a person – of which there can be more than one, as is usually the case, especially if the ‘main character’ has a wide variety of interests) is sitting at the steering wheel, you’ll get different ‘Q&A’s’, and this process is what I (who?) call: the mind perpetually playing with itself… It’s a never ending thing, kinda like a dog chasing its own tail, or the mule chasing the carrot in front of its nose.
I guess the answer lies in the stop asking, in the stop fooling yourself into thinking your just another ‘thing’ in your own ‘consciousness’ – you being consciousness itself is something your mind will never accept as an answer; too bad, ’cause it might be just that simple 🙂
Good luck
Thank You wholeheartedly for sharing such a wonderful and inspiring article. It’s is truly a blessing to actually know someone out there is genuinely sharing information for the people who has awakened to feel the mutual thoughts in learning about their deeper self and the treasures we all have to contribute to work together as one. I appreciate you. 🙂
At the beginning, I related to your problem of having others call you a wise ass, and since initially judging you would no longer be open to anything you had to say. My mother used to be that way with me..Although I’m an unofficial Noam Chomski anarchist, she always thought of me as a hated Liberal (I do live in Idaho after all), and did not have the ability to hear anything I had to say about politics…but now I don’t talk about things I have no control over,like politics. I would appreciate more liberty but this is not where my freedom resides…It resides from within, and I choose not to push against anything, I’m much too powerful. It has taken a couple years but now my mother and I can communicate. I do have to use the name Jesus when ever I’m talking about spiritual stuff, but why not, he’s a loving presence. My brother on the other hand cannot hear me at all..I really resonate with the Teaching of Abraham-Hicks and several others, and believe there is a golden thread running thru all religions, and to each his own, what ever path a person chooses must be just fine..my brother thinks I’ve been distracted by the Devil, and no matter how much reason and logic and love I use and have, he just wants to keep trying to save me…LOL Recently I realized what a reflection of me he was, I do try to reach people, like say when they are living in poverty consciousness I try to help them see where they can change their vibes with thoughts and emotions, and questions…Some hear me, but others really do attack. Like hey this is reality and your are delusional..or it’s my lack you can’t take it away from me. I get it, been there, but it really isn’t my business to try to help others when they are not wanting it, not ready for it. So my brother is just showing me part of myself who wants to save others too. It’s best just to live life as happy and prosperous as I do and enjoy life…and in some way I’m happy to do this for them…LOL I believe we are the ones who give everything in creation meaning, since everything is simply energy, including our bodies. I appreciate this blog, as I appreciate you and your articulate abilities. Keep it up, you give my life meaning…LOL
Great to know you’ve found and respect YOU and keep your perspective (and sense of humor) and even humility as you wade in counter-understandings and mis-understandings, and are keeping joy in the process. You are in power! Thanks for sharing that.
I have really enjoyed the simplicity of the path to the logical answer.
This is evenly valid and plausible without the mentioning of a god.
I do not mean to disrespect any belief, because that is just what the answer implies;
Give your life the meaning while respecting others.
When you mention a god, you remove the need of choosing for yourself, as many religions offer the afterlife as a reward for their behaviour while living.
I live my life to the fullest for myself, but not selfishly, giving myself the pleasure of being appreciated for who I am, for whome I chose to be. And I do that without the expectation of anything beyond death.
To each his own values, and who knows maybe heaven is here and right now! We choose to make it a heaven or we choose to make it hell.
I feel we are each placed here to make the world a better place – if our input is minute then everyone’s “minute” input added together becomes transformational for our planet. Of course we each need to begin with ourselves…
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Voltaire said:“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers. ”copied
THIS IS THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE-RATHER ,MISSION OF LIFE: BE SELF- WELL DEFINED &BE CIVILISED THROUGH YOUR MANNERS AS WELL AS PURSUITS TO ACHIEVING TRUE HAPPINESS..GRAND ACHIEVEMENTS OF OTHERS MAY BE ILLUSTRATIVE BUT NEVER OF COMPETITIVE JEALOUSLY .VOLTAIRE IS TO PRAISED FOR HIS BOLD STATEMENT;COURAGE IN LIFE CALLS FOR CANDID DISPOSITIONS OF REALITIES.
ALWAYS BE HONEST-THAT IS THE MISSION OF LIFE.
SHAM SUNDERAZAD
It’s actually all pretty simple really. I know so many people in whom the question of life’s meaning doesn’t even arise. They just get on and live it. Life is it’s own meaning. There are no particular aspects of life that are more or less meaningful than any others. Life just is. The most spiritual act is the most mundane, the most mundane , the most spiritual… there’s no difference. The meaning of life is right in front of you, right now. Whatever you are doing in this instant is the meaning of your life. No big deal.
I agree hat life do have a purpose and meaning. People lives that have meaning (ie) family to care for seem to survive extreme circumstances.,
Only meaning of life is to evolve at the level of our soul in order to reach God and live in his company eternally. A soul evolves when the individual who possesses that soul puts to whatever he or she possess – money, time, energy, skill, knowledge in the service of the unfortunate human beings and other forms whose lives are utterly miserable. The process may take several reincarnation in various bodies. What one chooses to acquire before he or she starts being of help to others who are needy and due to some reason or the other are not capable of helping themselves for the time being is the subject matter of career counselling. Ths the central message of Thirukkural a Tamil treatise as old as Bible.
What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? The purpose of life is to learn to truly love ourselves and each other. If we could love one another, there would be no need for the tragedies of wars and the atrocities of prejudice would not exist.
What most of us yearn for throughout our life, what we seek is to complete our life and existence through love. Love, in all its forms, is indeed our ultimate goal. That is why a life without love is a lonely existence that no amount of money, success, and other diversions can fill.
Love comes to us in many forms every day even when we are not able to recognize it as we are absorbed in our daily tasks and routines. It manifests itself in our daily life with a smile from a child, kindness from a stranger, caring friends, a wagging tail, a purr, and the excitement of our loved ones when they see us, among other ways. Try to observe love manifesting itself for you today, count the ways, pay attention, and let your heart rejoice.
Therefore, we must strive to love each other as we love ourselves or better. For ultimately, the big question we might have to answer when we pass on to the next life is how much and how well did you love, not just one person but everything and everyone that crossed your path.
very straight forward, practical, true and simple to understand answer.
Thanks a lot.
Brilliant!!! Absolutely Brilliant!!! We, me, keep trying to make things so difficult and complicated. We, me, dance all around situations… based on our ‘fear’ to step up to the plate and follow our heart. We do, we really do have the answers inside us… and yet keep ignoring, or silencing what we hear… It is time, it is time to step up to the plate and hit our home runs.. Yeah!!!
THE REAL DEFINATION OF LIFE
BASED ON GEETA
HAS BEEN PRESENTED
NOT A DUPLICATE
HOPE YOU WILL APPRECIATE THESE MEANINGFUL ENDEAVOURS
PLEASE?
SHAM SUNDER AZAD
BHAGWAT GEETA HAS PARAPHARASED THE JOURNEY OF LIFE:
-LIFE ISA CHALLANGE,MEET IT
-LIFE IS AGIFT,ACCEPT IT
-LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE,DARE IT
-LIFE ISA SORROW ,OVERCOME IT
-LIFE IS A TRAGEDY,FACE IT,
-LIFE ISA DUTY,PERFORM IT
-LIFE IS AGAME,PLAY IT.
-LIFE IS A MYSTERY,UNFOLD IT.
-LIFE IS A SONG ,SING IT.
-LIFE IS AN OPPORTUNITY,TAKE IT.
-LIFE IS A JOURNEY,COMPLETE IT.
-LIFE IS A PROMISE,FULFIL IT,
-LIFE IS LOVE,ENJOY IT.
-LIFE IS A BEAUTY.PRAISE IT.
-LIFE IS ASPIRIT.REALISE IT.
-LIFE ISA STRUGGLE,FIGHT IT,
-LIFE ISA PUZZLE SOLVE IT.
AS WELL AS:
-LIFE ISA GOAL,ACHIEVE IT
(COURTESY-K S NAKRA-NEW DELHI)
SHAM SUNDERAZAD-MUMBAI INDIA——————LIFE LIKE THAT
the wise say-life is a mystry-solve it?
We have the following tributes:
Life is a blessing-once a while -you have to perceive it truly! L
Life is an inspiration to get through hell & heaven despite of constraints ! I
Life is to be favourably well- conceived through judicious planning! F
Life is not tending towards the end,its an end itself,if not grommed with gratitude ! E
SHAM SUNDER AZAD——————-LIFE LIKE THAT !
thanks-always inspiring
an immediate respose is necessary-to express our appreciation
the whole is yet to be scanned through-it must be an intellectual perusal.
we have desired to be associated with senior persons-trust you will find us quite cooperative
regards
sham sunderazad——————posted-wished to ackowjedge!
Maybe a better question to ask would be “What is the meaning of *your* life?”
Well – only when you wake up and ..
awareness, awareness, awareness!
Yes, life is interesting, now I see the world differently . Life to me is a contract between two people and only when it ends do you know what this is, “Till death do you part!” means , It’s cleverly disguise in a marriage contract, but you get to feel how it hurts to hang on when you know your better half is doing things you don’t want him or she to do to you. Humm?
It’s easy to see why I was attracted to your material. Thanks for that.
When I was around 8 years old, I heard a news commentator read a quote to the effect that you should not judge a man by the answers he gives, but judge him on the questions he asks. I decided I needed 3 pretty good questions so this is what my 8 year old brain came up with:
1. Who am I (no, really, what was my name before I was born)
2. Why am I here (on this earth – I knew it must be for a reason), and
3. what is the nature of God and the Universe
It took 45 years but I was satisfied with the answers I came up with.
The answer to #2 is to figure out the answer to #1. And when you know the answer to #1 you have a pretty good insight to #3.
When you have those answers, you can then begin to rid yourself of the limiting beliefs that keep you locked into endless cycles of incarnation here on this earth.
And when you are finished getting rid of those limiting beliefs what are you? The unlimited being you really are.
now i know why you write differently because you’re gifted. your articles are way too different from the rest and they are so sensible, well thought out and well written. more power!
“Love thy God with all your heart, all your soul and ,all your strength and your neighbor as yourself!” If I would have a chance to do it all over again! I’d try to do this better and not worry about trying to become this or that! or man or false image or whatever? I know that if I love or when I love it is absolutely guarantee for me to experience that love no matter what anyone else does or not or loves me or not! I could have had a life full of love! Other than learning that no one has my answers out there! and that I had them all along right here on the inside of mind! But someone told me that there’s no way that we can make our past any better than it is! and the only time we have is now! At least I’ll die a loving man.
What an inspiring suggestion to look at life this morning! Will definitely work on bringing more meanings into my own life from now.
On the ball as usual… very good and looking forward to hearing more from you
many blessings to you xo
thanks!! I could my write the long story of my life, but all I want to do is to say thanks because this answer is changing my life and giving me a better future now.