Life, a profound enigma that we all navigate through from the moment we take our first breath. Its essence, its purpose, wrapped in layers of ambiguity, revealing itself differently to each soul depending on the intricacies of birth, circumstance, and the tapestry of culture and heritage. Throughout our existence, we are inundated with teachings, both formal and informal, urging us to imbue our lives with purpose and responsibility. It is an ethos that propels us to contribute to various causes, be they social, political, or spiritual, each person finding their unique avenue of expression - be it through the written word or the wealth they amass.
Yet, amidst this cacophony of
expectations and ideologies, I find myself pondering a fundamental question:
why do we need a predefined purpose in life? Must our existence be tethered to
an ideology, an 'ism', or a specific goal to give it meaning? Can we not
embrace life without these shackles, free to explore its depths without the
burden of societal constructs dictating our paths?
The annals of history overflow
with attempts to answer this existential query, with myriad philosophies
offering their take on the purpose of life. While some resonate with certain
individuals, none have entirely quenched the thirst for understanding that
resides within me. The common narrative asserts that having a purpose infuses
life with meaning, vitality, and hope. Undoubtedly, these effects are
observable, yet I find myself questioning their sustainability. Can a singular
purpose or ideology, when clung to fervently, truly sustain happiness and inner
peace?
Inner peace, a concept delicately
explored even in the realms of entertainment, as seen in the poignant journey
of the hero Panda in the renowned film 'Kung Fu Panda'. The quest for such
tranquility seems intertwined with our very essence, yet elusive amidst the
chaos of our existence. Even amidst wealth, career success, familial bliss, and
physical wellness, a mere glimpse of human suffering, captured in a photograph
or witnessed firsthand, has the power to shatter our serenity. This feeling of
mine is better expressed by an Urdu poet whose name I don’t know, but we
friends back in my days at Cadet College Razmak used to recite it often:
"Zindagi kia hai anasir mein zahoor e tarteeb
Maut kia hai, inhi ajza ka pareeshaan hona"
"In life's elements lies the order of
appearance,
In death lies the disintegration of these same
components."
In moments of introspection, I
align with the sentiment expressed by Buddha, envisioning a world ripe for
intellectual and spiritual exploration only when humanity collectively ensures
the safety and well-being of all beings sharing this planet. Sadly, this
utopian vision remains distant as every era bears witness to the cries of the
oppressed and the dominance of greed and violence.
Our actions and thoughts,
intricately woven with our surroundings, create a symbiotic relationship
shaping our experiences and perceptions. The environment we inhabit, both
social and physical, molds us just as our choices sculpt it. Thus, it becomes
imperative to ponder our collective purpose as humans, transcending geographical
and cultural boundaries.
Survival with dignity emerges as
a beacon in this philosophical labyrinth, intertwined with love, care, and
respect for all life forms and the environment that sustains us. It echoes the
principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, serving as a
moral compass in a world fraught with complexities and moral quandaries.
As I muse upon the uncertainties
of our existence, I realize that no single solution can encapsulate the myriad
challenges humanity faces. Yet, amidst this uncertainty, a collective resolve
emerges - a commitment to leave behind a habitable and nurturing planet for
generations to come. It is a testament to our resilience and foresight,
acknowledging that progress devoid of compassion and sustainability is but a
hollow victory.
