Unless something interferes, we are all going to get old and pass away. For many this realization is met with fear and sadness and raises many questions in the mind. For as long as we have likely been aware of ourselves, we have wondered what lies beyond and as a result, the creative mind has imagined all manner of possibilities. Very few want to entertain the idea that there is nothing as nothing itself is unimaginable, it cannot be thought about, the concept cannot be truly grasped.
Most entertain themselves with variations of gods and heavens and hells or reborn again in a different form. They set up complex systems and religions to support their imagination and the creations they have developed over time, on-boarded with little reflection nor investigation into alternatives. They say I know what my god wants from me and perhaps they do but, I question anyone who thinks they know the will of a god.
I keep it much simpler, What does it matter? is my view. If there is a god or no, the path is the same. If there is an afterlife or a hard end, the path is the same. If I am enlightened or not, the path is the same. Since there is no opportunity to actually get information that proves or disproves any position, the path is the same.
What is that path? For me it is simple. Do the best I can and continually look to improve that position. This covers everything. It is the way I move, the words I say, the articles I write. It is what I give in each moment and how much value I can bring to the world. There will be mistakes and missteps, much to discover and learn along the way and at times I will have to admit a poor position and course correct. But, the path is the same.
My reasoning is simple.
If there is no god, no afterlife, then I would have lived a full and meaningful life and done my utmost to make experiences valuable for myself and those I interact with and in so doing, eased as much suffering as possible. I would close my eyes knowing there was no more I could do. If past this point, my eyes again open, perhaps I may stand before a god. If this is what is to be, what more could it possibly ask of a simple man but for him to do all he can to be all he can, for all he can?
One need not be taught right from wrong to discover truth, need not read doctrine to have morals, need not bow down to an unknown to be good. People talk of freewill, there may be none. The path is already set, the end point as best as we can know ultimate, our eyes will shut. It does not matter what is beyond that point, the only thing of importance is what we do as we approach it.
Taraz
[ a Steemit original ]
The image for this piece was taken at the Rundetaarn (Round tower) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
