The beginning of the search for truth.

In this ever morphing universe, one is oft faced with the question, what is the absolute truth about the purpose of existence?

This is probably the hardest question out there; one with too many answers, or none at all?

However, since almost everyone 'believes' in some answer to this question, that is what I wish to address.

When asked about the absolute truth, many say, "this is what I believe..." But such an answer is relative. All of us have made such statements at some point in our lives, but now is the time to challenge them. If you don't care about the truth, then read no further. But if you do, then read carefully.

What you believe, is inconsequential in the search for the absolute truth. Because what you believe doesn't change the nature of the transcendent reality.

Just as in a physics classroom, the statement, "I believe the earth is flat", has no room because no matter what one believes the earth will remain an oblate spheroid. Similarly, the statement, " I believe..." has no room in the search for the absolute truth, because belief that is not backed by proof means little. However, 'proof' in this sense needn't be physical or mathematical, but it definitely needs to be reasonable and experiential.

So, with this abandon of biases, preconceived notions, and unchallenged beliefs, and with an unadulterated thirst for answers only, can one be successful in finding and distinguishing between what is true and what is 'an opinion'.

In summary, whether I am Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Jew, atheist, agnostic, or identify with any other group of people who fall under a particular belief system, it won't change the ultimate or actual nature of reality. Whether I 'believe' this or not is another matter altogether.

So now ask yourself, having let go of your previously upheld but unchallenged beliefs, who am I? Why am I here? Is there a God? Why do people suffer? ...

It is now that the search for the truth has begun in true earnest.

And when you find an answer, you will not say, "I believe..." you will say this, " I know... "

Illusion: stream of consciousness.

Illusion: a state or condition of being deceived.

Why is it that most of our expectations turn out but a far cry from how we had imagined them in our minds?

And although sometimes this may be a pleasant surprise, on every other occasion, it's just cruel.

For a moment, right now, just think about it.

Expectation:

It's the perfect illusion.

Gradually build up in your head the most logical impression of how things are going to turn out for you, and the next thing you know, you've fallen into the trap. Now you have this delicious looking expectation that you burden under for a while till the fateful day when it plays out to be something completely different from what you had in mind. Maybe better, maybe worse, but a product of illusion at any rate.

SO what is up with the world?

Why are we all running after mirages?

Aside: Makes me wonder whether things are predetermined; Whether the stars hold value apart from celestial aesthetics? Or maybe the correct question is, how much of it is predetermined?

And I'm tired of hearing, "there is no right answer". Because there is, there has to be.

Aside: We cannot be a product of randomness. There is rhyme and reason to everything. Science has shown us that beyond doubt.

So coming back to illusion. I am convinced that we are laboring under some subtle but gripping kind of spell. It convinces us that we need to "be successful", we need to "be cool", we need to be "sexy", and so on and so forth, and to be able to do those things we need to learn about celebrities and movies, and math, and economics, and go to the gym, and every other ridiculous human attempt at being happy. And finally it, ie illusion, doesn't stand up to its promises.

Oh wait, and then if we're "lucky" (which incase you haven't noticed, most people are not) we'll live to be a hundred. But we'll still die. And then no one knows? End of story, end of everything. Waste of a life? You tell me.

The right question is not, Where are these answers?

OH NO!

Consider this.

Suppose the answers are there, and we do find them, or rather, we discover them, probably in plain sight... will we still seek them?

Are these questions important enough to us, that we would be ready to let go of our preconceptions and step into the freaking light already!?

forever young

I was young and the walls seemed taller,

the faces stranger, but the world smaller,

when ma was the safest I had ever felt,

the safest I would ever feel.

Then one day they sent me away,

the world was an ominous tune.

Upon it's roads prowled the meanest of men,

in step with their demon, by the light of the moon.

But the light wasn't borrowed, 'twas stolen,

and what he does is never unseen,

Not once, but again and again, I walked away,

but each time, lesser than what I had been.

I forget now how this part played out,

but I remember somewhere along that road,

I stepped out of the shade,

but not alone, never alone.

They say friends are for life,

but I was to learn otherwise.

They said a lot of things,

No one spoke of the soul.

One fall, I fell in love,

or so they had me believe,

They said love lasted lifetimes,

they were fools and so was I, as I watched her leave.

Love grew old,

as all things do,

men who walked the earth as Gods,

even me and you.

Time, illusions greatest accomplice,

slipped past our self-ordained brilliance,

leaving nothing,

nothing to pursue.

The death bed was no different from the tiny hospital gurney,

from so many years past,

vulnerable as ever,

who knew what would come to pass?

Maybe if I had a second chance,

I'd stop for a while,

find some answers,

to questions that beguiled.

I had heard these questions before,

from inside what was probably my soul,

but at the time too uncomfortable they had been,

for me to pause and behold.

And now, I know it's too late.

I am spent from trying to chase my youth.

Forever young, is a lie my fellows,

ask yourselves, and demand the truth.