By Chetan Bharti
This is a question that almost everyone encounters at some point in their journey, isn’t it? No matter your age, stage of life, or position in society, this profound inquiry arises for all of us sooner or later.
It emerges from ignorance—particularly ignorance of our true nature. It surfaces in moments of doubt, when we seek solutions to perceived challenges, or when we feel uncertain about our decisions and choices.
A wise being once said, “We are not humans endeavoring to become gods; rather, we are gods having a human experience.” What a profound shift in perspective this brings!
Imagine yourself as a divine being who has chosen to experience human existence—this is a voluntary “reduction in consciousness.” Those familiar with the Indian concept of avatara (divine incarnation) will grasp this easily.
To address the question directly: on a deeper spiritual level, life is simply a happening. It is spontaneous, unfolding moment to moment. The only constant is change itself. All true spiritual masters have realized and accepted that we have no ultimate control over life. Our only real choice lies in how we respond to it.
The key to truly understanding life is to realize your true nature. This comes through direct experience—not mere intellectual knowledge. Once realized, no external validation is needed; the truth is self-evident, powerful, and transformative.
Our ancient ancestors were profoundly wise: they understood that without knowing one’s true nature, true fulfillment in life is impossible. The primary and most fundamental need of every human being is precisely this—to know who they truly are.
The entire spiritual journey exists for this single purpose.
You can entertain countless concepts or philosophies as potential answers to this great question, but they remain just that—mental constructs, not the living truth.
The only reliable path is direct enquiry into one’s true nature.
Here are glimpses of how realized masters responded to life, reflecting this wisdom:
- “Being, without plans and cares, is the way!”
- “Be quiet! What is bound to happen will happen, and what is not bound to happen will not happen.”
- “Be aware! The present moment is inevitable. This too shall pass.”
- “Phantoms and dreams. Flowers in empty sky. Why tire yourself trying to grasp them? True, false, right, wrong—let them all go at once!”
- “There’s never been a single thing, so where’s defiling dust to cling?”
- “Nothing is more precious than a man who has nothing further to seek.”
In conclusion, it is wise not to conceptualize or overthink life. Instead, take it as it comes, one step at a time. What we ordinarily call “knowledge” relies on distinctions and differentiations—it remains blind to the all-encompassing Reality.
Life is a happening, a spontaneous expression of that Reality.
Once you have glimpsed your true nature, you will view life with humor and lightness. A gentle smile will naturally arise, no matter the circumstances. You become a person of “no concern”—free, unburdened, and at peace.
With love and blessings on your path, Chetan Bharti Ramanand Sant Ashram, Ujjain
Chetan Bharti : Chetan Bharti is a spiritual guide and teacher. Holding a Master’s in History, he blends intellectual insight with profound inner experience gained from over nine years of solitary retreat in the Himalayas and Tibet. He has studied yoga, tantra, Vedanta, and Zen across traditions and taught with organizations like AHYMSIN and Yoga Bharati at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Download Go Spiritual News Magazine App Now. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spiritual.gospiritual&hl=en_IN
