I would just like to know what this happienss it is that religious people have. It seems that even though many people say this about their religion they still seem to be in the same boat the rest of us are. What keeps you getting out of bed in the morning? Obviously there is still something keeping you from complete happiness, something that you are still searching for. Some would say a better relationship with god. Some would say they are trying to do as much good as they can in this life before going to heaven. I don't disbelieve any of this, it just seems a bit strange from my point of view- I have to wonder what keeps people like this going.
I think the defining point that makes us human is this longing we all feel- a longing for something beyond ourselves, perhaps just for some satisfaction. Because of it we pursue religion, our instincts, whatever we feel will fill this gap. And I'm sure we all claim our ways have brought us happiness.
In my opinion, it seems like this longing is a survival instinct to keep us going, to keep us from becoming too complacent and just biding time till we die. Or perhaps to go even deeper, it is the longing for this primal unity, the Tao if you will, an existence without form or substance or anything, it just IS. Entropy tells us that the universe is constantly breaking down back to this primal unity (though whether it is fully achievable is yet to be known), to one big pile of matterless energy without shape or form. I've felt this myself all the time: tiredness. Tired of existence without reprieve or real rest. Restlessness, I suppose, frustrated because the end simply will not come. I do not wish to die of course but a nice rest from it all would be great. Is it that kind of existence I seek? I don't know.
But at the same time, it seems like enthalpy (sp?) is in my nature. The desire to complexify existence further. I feel I am at my most human when I am creating something- taking dead air and making music, a blank canvas and making art. Strictly speaking, of course, this is only going to make me feel more tired and restless, as I spend my energy creating these things. But at the same time I feel more human than I ever have, as I try to transcend this restless humanity through art and action and love. It's kind of poetic in a blindingly frustrating kind of way.
But I'm getting off topic. I would like to ask anyone here- and please, don't just react with an instant 'of course!'- really think about it. Meditate on it, think long and hard about it: can you honestly say that you have become completely fulfilled and happy? That you have completely fulfilled this longing inside of all of us? If yes, how? If no, are you trying? And how are you going about this?
I think the defining point that makes us human is this longing we all feel- a longing for something beyond ourselves, perhaps just for some satisfaction. Because of it we pursue religion, our instincts, whatever we feel will fill this gap. And I'm sure we all claim our ways have brought us happiness.
In my opinion, it seems like this longing is a survival instinct to keep us going, to keep us from becoming too complacent and just biding time till we die. Or perhaps to go even deeper, it is the longing for this primal unity, the Tao if you will, an existence without form or substance or anything, it just IS. Entropy tells us that the universe is constantly breaking down back to this primal unity (though whether it is fully achievable is yet to be known), to one big pile of matterless energy without shape or form. I've felt this myself all the time: tiredness. Tired of existence without reprieve or real rest. Restlessness, I suppose, frustrated because the end simply will not come. I do not wish to die of course but a nice rest from it all would be great. Is it that kind of existence I seek? I don't know.
But at the same time, it seems like enthalpy (sp?) is in my nature. The desire to complexify existence further. I feel I am at my most human when I am creating something- taking dead air and making music, a blank canvas and making art. Strictly speaking, of course, this is only going to make me feel more tired and restless, as I spend my energy creating these things. But at the same time I feel more human than I ever have, as I try to transcend this restless humanity through art and action and love. It's kind of poetic in a blindingly frustrating kind of way.
But I'm getting off topic. I would like to ask anyone here- and please, don't just react with an instant 'of course!'- really think about it. Meditate on it, think long and hard about it: can you honestly say that you have become completely fulfilled and happy? That you have completely fulfilled this longing inside of all of us? If yes, how? If no, are you trying? And how are you going about this?
