I have been led to believe that the more aware you become of the surroundings, of others, of self and of life in general, the more likely it is that you will suffer from melancholy for most part of your life. It has been my experience that with time and maturity and better understanding of the universe, I have been compelled to encounter the darker terrains of the so called world and society we live in. I am not implying that the darker you see, the wiser you get. But, human mind is such that it perceives the negativity of things more strongly and rather holds on to it for future references, to either avoid or be cautious to prevent further sorrow and pain by experiencing it again and again. The same isn't true with the positive aspects in life. We inherently seem to take anything positive and joyful to be the natural order of things and thus, take them for granted, as our fundamental rights. In short, ignorance seems to be a blessing and knowledge a curse!!
But is it?? I wonder!
We often come across instances which are indicative of how feeling and understanding the deeper aspects of life, makes one more vulnerable to the darker forces of the human mind. Whether we call it depression or melancholy or simply sadness, it all boils down to one and the same thing. Are not the artists, the creative people and the philosophers more prone to the above said? Many of them have been driven to deep sorrow to the point of fatal insanity in their quest for knowledge. They all have one thing in common. They all are seeking perfection in their respective pursuits. They are trying to attain the absolute. But, then, are not the yogis, the monks and such, also, traveling the road of life in quest of knowledge, wisdom and the absolute? But, they seem to have found happiness and bliss in their pursuit. Wisdom has brought them joy and contentment. So, seemingly, both the groups are having similar quests, but, quite contradictory results.
The difference lies in their ultimate goals. One is trying to compete with the universe while the other is surrendering to it. One is trying to be the absolute while the other is trying to be one with the absolute. One is trying to attain perfection while the other accommodates in the perfection that surrounds them. One is giving in to the sensual pleasures while the other is abstaining from it, rather watching and imbibing it all from a distance. One is letting go of all its senses and giving in to temptations that go hand in hand with the knowledge of being, while the other is practicing restraint with respect to actions of body, speech and mind. One is embracing the universe so much so that it gets too close for their own good, while the other is embracing it nonetheless, but with a kind of detachment that shields them from the hazards of proximity. They all come to the same truths, but, perceive and assimilate it in a different way. One leads to doubt while the other leads to enlightenment and oneness with the absolute. One leads to chaos and the other, peace of mind. One leads to sorrow, the other leads to pure bliss.
So, the choice is ours. We have to train our minds and make a conscious effort. And, with time, it will come naturally to us. Thus, we will have lived, rather than just breathed life. Instead of every day being a struggle, each day will be a celebration- a celebration of life…
