BORN NAKED, WE RETURN TO ASHES...

 Life’s True Meaning: A Call for Introspection and Kindness.

By Dr Sunil S Rana 
(Managing Director, The Lexà, a Law Firm.)
(President & MD, Rana's IAS Academy).

Introduction

Life begins and ends with nothing—born naked, we return to ashes. Yet, in between these two inevitable truths, we fill our existence with malice, envy, and selfishness. The ancient Indian philosophy reminds us of the transient nature of life, encapsulated in the Sanskrit phrase: "Samsara is fleeting" (this world is temporary). So why do we waste precious moments on hatred, resentment, and superficial pursuits? This article delves into life’s purpose and urges introspection through the lens of Indian thinkers, maxims, and universal truths.

The Circle of Life: From Dust to Dust

"From dust you came, to dust you shall return"—this universal truth is echoed in the Bhagavad Gita, which states, "vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya", likening life to worn-out garments that are shed at death. Yet, in the face of this, humanity often forgets its ephemeral nature, losing itself in material pursuits and grudges.

Idioms such as “you can’t take it with you” remind us that wealth, fame, and power hold no value beyond the grave. Great Indian poet Kabir also said, “Maati kahe kumbhar se, tu kya rondhe mohe; ek din aisa aayega, main rondhungi tohe” (The soil tells the potter, why do you trample me today? Tomorrow, I will trample you). Such wisdom demands reflection on life’s futility when burdened by greed and ego.

The Ills of Modern Living

In today’s world, distractions like gossiping, lethargy, and indulgence in vices such as smoking and drinking disconnect us from meaningful existence. Swami Vivekananda emphasized, "You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself." A life spent in trivial pursuits drains our ability to find purpose. Excessive consumption of junk food and addictive habits further detaches us from our physical and mental well-being.

Idioms like “health is wealth” and “a sound mind in a sound body” echo ancient Ayurvedic teachings, urging us to value our health as a foundation for a fulfilling life. According to Mahatma Gandhi, "It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver."

Malice, Jealousy, and Resentment: Poison to the Soul

Why harbor malice and jealousy when life is so short? The Taittiriya Upanishad teaches us to practice "Satyam vada, dharmam chara" (Speak the truth, follow righteousness). Holding grudges and nurturing envy not only hurt others but poison our own souls.

The idiom “cutting off your nose to spite your face” perfectly encapsulates the self-destructive nature of resentment. Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry often reflected this philosophy, as he wrote, "When you are at peace with yourself, others’ enmity cannot harm you."

A Lackadaisical Lifestyle: Wasting Precious Time

Time is the most valuable resource. Once gone, it never returns. Yet, many live lackadaisically, wasting days in procrastination and aimless pursuits. Chanakya, the great Indian philosopher, said, "A person who does not act swiftly in times of opportunity will suffer lifelong regret."

Proverbs like “time and tide wait for none” and “make hay while the sun shines” remind us of the importance of seizing each moment. When we introspect, we realize the depth of our procrastination and the need to channel our time into growth and learning.

Finding Life’s True Calling

Swami Vivekananda once said, "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached." But how many of us truly introspect to find our life’s purpose? Instead, we often follow societal expectations, drowning in superficial goals.

The idiom “follow your heart” and Tagore’s maxim, "The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence," guide us to seek purpose beyond material success.

The Call for Kindness and Humility

Life is not measured by the riches we amass but by the lives we touch. In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira is asked what the greatest wonder of life is. He replies, "Every day, countless beings die, yet those who remain think they are eternal." This highlights the importance of humility.

The idiom “what goes around comes around” underscores the karmic cycle. Kabir’s doha, “Dheere dheere re mana, dheere sab kuch hoy; Maali seenche sau ghada, ritu aaye phal hoy” (Slowly, slowly, O mind, everything happens at its own pace; The gardener waters with a hundred pots, but only when the season comes will the fruit ripen), teaches us patience, humility, and kindness.

Quotes from Indian Scholars and Thinkers

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi

"In the heart of all things is the Self, and it is in this Self that the whole universe resides." – Adi Shankaracharya

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences." – Rabindranath Tagore

Living a Life of Purpose: Introspection as the Key

To lead a meaningful life, introspection is essential. The idiom “know thyself” is at the heart of every great philosophy. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to "perform your duty without attachment to the fruits of action." This aligns with the maxim, “Actions speak louder than words,” reminding us to focus on deeds, not outcomes.

Conclusion: The Final Truth

Life is a journey between two dates: birth and death. What lies in between is up to us to shape. It is a canvas where kindness, humility, and introspection can paint the most meaningful picture. As Chanakya rightly said, "Before you start any work, ask yourself three questions: Why am I doing it? What the results might be? Will I be successful? Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers, go ahead."

Let us not waste life in envy, malice, or resentment. Instead, let us embrace simplicity, truth, and kindness. The idiom “live and let live” captures this sentiment perfectly. As Kabir beautifully wrote:

"Do not boast of wealth, youth, and power;

The flowers of the garden wither, as quickly as they come to bloom."

Let us introspect, for life is fleeting, and the legacy we leave behind is defined not by riches but by the love and kindness we spread.