Have you ever looked at life from a bigger perspective? You can do it right now. Just remember your age. You arrived on this planet many years ago. But we never think of it that way. I don’t sit and think, “Oh, today I am 69; I came here 69 years and five months ago.”
That awareness in itself brings a shift in the context in which we view our life.
And how long do you plan to stay here? Forever? In the 22nd century? Another 20 years? 30 years? 40 years? 50 years? Okay, another 100 years? When you can’t see anything, can’t hear anything? How long do you plan to stay here?
My dear, our life on this planet is limited. These garments have more shelf life than you. Your garment has got more shelf life. Your great-grandchildren can say, “Oh, my grandfather’s coat,” if they keep it. Usually, they throw it away. And if there is something precious, they will keep it. “Oh, this is my grandmother’s diamond ring.” That has more shelf life than you.
Have you ever thought about it? Have we seen our life in the context of the end of life, of death? We don’t, we don’t. When someone says, “Oh, poor guy died,” we forget that we are in a transit lounge.
Your ticket is booked, and your boarding pass has already arrived. Only the time is yet to be announced. Even that is not announced. Somebody will come and escort you: “Come, your flight is up.” You will say, “Oh, my luggage.” Don’t worry about your luggage, you’ll come. You have to go without bags and baggage. Maybe in your mind, you will carry more baggage.
Our lifespan is very limited. But our desires are unlimited. Our things to do are unlimited. And our worries are unlimited. Can we not build a balance between all this?
So, have a bigger context for life. You can bring a deep sense of centredness, serenity, calmness, and a smile that nobody can take away from you.
When you see life in the context of eternity, small disturbances lose meaning.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
