Death & the Purpose of Life

Death is a very interesting subject. Most everyone fears death consciously or unconsciously. It is unknown and so mysterious in many ways. On the other side though, death is the only thing in life that is certain. The time and location of death is a different story, but the fact that we are living means that we must die, sometimes much sooner, sometimes much later.

Why do we fear death? The only reason we fear death is because we see death as elimination. But we all learnt in science class that something cannot be created out of nothing and matter/energy can only change its form. Water does not “die” when it is heated to a boiling point. It simply changes its form into steam. So why would we be any different?

Take a moment to really contemplate on your own death. We are surrounded by death each and every day in this world, but rarely do we actually think it will happen to us. We always think “Oh I have a lot of life to live and a very long time until I die!”. We put death so far away that its almost as good as not dying at all. But death could strike you this next moment without you finishing this sentence! Death is closing in my friend.

So what if death is coming, what difference does it make if we are all going to die anyways? The only purpose for this post is to emphasize that only when we really understand and almost experience our own death, can we begin understanding what life is about and really start living. Yes, what I am pointing at is that even though we are physically living this moment, we are actually very dead inside. No matter how noble of a goal you have achieved or are shooting for, you have not understood the basis on life and death. It doesn’t matter what types of fancy tricks you could do with a soccer ball, but if you don’t understand how the game is played and the purpose of the game, you would just be fooling around with a ball, headed no where.

What is the purpose of life? We have all thought of it at some point or another and we all have the stereotypical answers that we usually say to ourselves. We have become complasant with those answers, but they are all borrowed answers for the most part. Things we’ve heard others say and taken as being the truth. But really, what is the purpose of life? What is the purpose of YOUR life? Why is it you are actually put on this planet for this period of time?

Nature is beautiful because everything has its purpose and place. If the trees wanted to do the ants job, the bees the job of fish, the spider the job of the bear, etc.. as crazy as it sounds, it just wouldn’t work out. It is not an ants job to go to school, study hard, become a surgeon, and save lives. A shark doesn’t say he wants to become a vegetarian because he heard vegetarians are less prone to diseases. So if nature, which we are also apart of, is perfect as it is, and life, death, and everything else, then what is that you are doing here? If the purpose has already been given to us by the Creator (higher power), what then is our task?

The one and only task (if you want to call it that) is to realize your purpose and follow it to the best of your ability til the day you die. You have a purpose, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. You might aspire to become a star basketball player or the President of the United States, but if you are only 4 feet tall or are 85 years old, it’s doubtful that that is your purpose.

Your natural talents and desires hint at your purpose. What do you enjoy doing and what have you almost naturally been good at? Just as important, having been given these talents, what is your responsibility in your given situation? Even if its cleaning that you are really good at, then your purpose may be to become a janitor. Oh man, this is where the ego goes nuts because society, especially Western society, gives importance to prestige, wealth, status, and if one says he wants to become a janitor, then its almost as good as becoming a failure in life. But realistically without each and every position, whether you are the Dalai Lama or a garbage man, the world and nature could not function. It would not be complete, whole, and beautiful. The world wouldn’t work if all the taxi drivers strived to be investment bankers, doctors, and pharmacists. This is where a lot of what the western society believes has gotten itself in trouble. Everyone wants to be Paris Hilton. But only Paris Hilton can be Paris Hilton. Only Gandhi can be Gandhi.

The Western world has more problems then we realize. Everyone is obese, marriages aren’t lasting anymore, work is becoming more important than family, love is more about sex, energy comes in a can of redbull, reality is what you watch on tv, women spend more time and money on their appearances, and loosing weight comes in a pill. What difference do technological advancements and material success make if its creating hell in our homes and personal lives? Is it not better to live simply and happier?

Contemplate on your own death, realize your purpose, and work hard doing the best job you can. You have been designed perfectly as you are and perfectly for your purpose. When confused, simply ask the Universe for guidance and then pay very close attention so you don’t miss Its reply. The more individuals can do this, the happier and healthier their lives will be. Balance will be restored to this world. True love will be the guiding force. Compassion will be the only method of communication. Selfless service will be the only motivation. Life can be a celebration. And death can be one too.