LIFE AND LOSS

 Human life is precious. It offers a kaleidoscopic view of myriad experiences. Love and loss are two most compelling defining traits. We become happy when someone we love reciprocates. We become sad when our love is not favoured. In essence we are always conscious of ourselves and little concerned with selfless approach in life. Our desires are what we are made of. And, desires are mostly selfish longings. We become utterly disturbed when we don’t get what we want.

We are bound to lose people and things from the list we love and like. Losing a person is traumatic. We can’t afford otherwise as loss is inevitable and suffering thereof remains etched in our consciousness.

There is a story about a woman named Kisa Gotami and Lord Buddha set in more than 2000 years ago. Kisa Gotami’s only son died when he was merely a child. The lady became grief-stricken and cried for help from door to door carrying her dead son. Nobody was able to help her as she wanted back her son’s life. People around her were surprised at her desire but they didn’t mock at her. They were moved by her emotional condition and innocent longing. They suggested the woman to go and meet Lord Buddha as he was heard of having mystical powers that might bring her son back to life. Kisa Gotami met Buddha pleading for her dead son. Lord Buddha understood her mental condition and instead of preaching he assured her he would make her son alive with one thing if she could bring. The lady became happy and said she would bring anything for her son. Lord Buddha asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds. The lady became joyous telling she would be back in no time after getting the seeds from the nearby village. Lord Buddha said- wait. He continued the seeds must be brought from the house where nobody had ever died. The innocent lady was still happy and went to the nearby village. She was happy with the idea that she would get the seeds in any house. She went door to door and asked for a handful of mustard seeds. Nobody came with the seeds when they heard about the condition. Kisa Gotami got herself exhausted without getting the seeds as no household was without a death of someone or the other. She returned to Buddha. The lord made her understand the inevitability of suffering and death. The lady got the knowledge of the ways of the world.

One must not grieve. Loss is common to all. We must be kind to one another as kindness remains even after one’s demise. Love people. Love life. Happiness is in selflessness and not in selfishness.

(C). – MRITYUNJAY JHA