Why Are We Alive?

Why are we here? And what do we do in our lives? Whoever we may be, whatever we may be, whatever language, caste, race… why are we Humans here on this Earth, in this creation? We are born in pain – and are condemned to die in pain. The mid period, what we – for some strange reason - call “life”, is where we  grow, educate, work, marry, work, retire, and die. In the meantime, we acquire goods which we treasure. We acquire knowledge which we treasure. We acquire a good name which we treasure. And, one day – one day, all of the above – ALL of it, will cease to matter. Why then do we do all of this? For what reason?

Take a moment, and think. Our material possessions will one day go to someone else; they aren’t yours, never were and never will be.  You are not getting out of here alive, that much is certain; in fact – it is the only thing that is certain. So- all your treasured possesions – friend, you are not taking them with you. तुम्हारे मेहेल ये सारे यहीं रेह जायेंगे प्यारे! There is no escape from this ultimate harsh reality – you are destined for the same dirt all else are. You are no different.

Some say, it is your knowledge, your mental  acuity, your achievements that matter. Really? What do they matter to you when you are dead – and die you will, that is certain. Earning a name – what good did it do you? After you are no more? So, how does it matter? And, by the way and by the by, your name, achievements etc- all of it will one day be replaced by someone fresher, newer and better. कल और आयेंगे नगमों कि खिलती कलियां  चुनने वाले; मुझसे  बेहेतर केहेने वाले तुमसे बेहेतर  सुनेने वाले! Meaning – nothing in this material world is permanent.

So, why oh why are we born? Why do we do what we do? And does the above mean that we cease all activity? Quite apart from the fact that living involves perforce eating, which means earning a living – there are other strong reasons why this is impractical. But that does nothing to change the fact that ALL that you do will one day matter nought, will be useless, and a total waste. One reason, perhaps one of the strongest reason – is that you are born into a nation,, a society. a family – all of which mean responsibilities. We should be doing whatever we do with a sense of duty to all 3. Do we follow this?

100% of all that we see, eat, hear, feel, smell, touch, think will one day cease to exist for us. There is no escape – this is one place no one is getting out of alive. Acquire what you may – name, respect, love, knowledge, attention, material objects, money, degrees, position – all of it will cease, and for sure. And tumhaare bol sunne waalaa bhi koi na rahega… that song also has no meaning. Be you a top singer, poet – one day, maybe hundreds of years later – you will be forgotten, all your deeds will lie useless.

Life that we see, has no meaning, and is totally pointless when we look at it from this perspective. This is not an article written in depression, but rather after years of deep thought & conscious  reflection of the realities of life.  It is only when we apply the lens of our duty that life takes on a meaning – you are alive partly to fulfill your duties that nation society family have forced upon you. Willingly accept all – and you are free. And none of the layers – namely, family or nation or society – are more or less important. You cannot escape by being true to only one. You have to rise above all 3, and give your best to all 3. Life isn’t fun, it isn’t a path, it isn’t a journey. Life is only and only about your responsibilities to the above 3! And in this, the order is nation-society-family…. In my opinion…