They enter into blind darkness
who worship [ignorance and delusion];
they fall, as it were, into greater darkness
who worship [knowledge].
The first leads to a life of action,
the second to a life of meditation.
But those who combine action with meditation
cross the sea of death through action
and enter into immortality through meditation.
So have we heard from the wise.
—Isa-Upanishad - Verse 9 -11
The path of selfish pleasure without the pursuit of something higher is a dark one, but the path of acquiring knowledge for the sake of intellectual pride is even darker. Finding pleasure in the pursuit of knowledge applied with unselfish intentions is the most fulfilling path. At least, that’s what I’m gathering.
I suppose immortality could refer to a clearer conscience and a purified soul connecting with the everlasting spirit of the universe, and the realization that you are one with the immortal God. But the practical application of this gem applies to this concept I’ve been adopting of trying to “be the light for others.”
Last night, I was walking down the beach after a swim and came across a middle-aged woman sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees, looking troubled. I said hello, and she seemed receptive, so I asked what she was deep in thought about. It was amazing how quickly she opened up to a complete stranger about what was bothering her. (Then again, maybe it’s easier to tell someone you’ll never see again what’s upsetting you than it is to tell someone who will remain in your life.)
I didn’t even have to say anything; I just listened. At one point, I tried to offer insight, but she cut me off to keep talking, so I figured that was all she needed. I was only there for ten minutes before the sun was disappearing, and I told her I wanted to leave before it got dark. However, I could already see a shift in mood after a brief conversation with someone who stopped to genuinely listen.
Did I gain anything from hearing her woes? Not really. But to ease the pain in her eyes, even if just for a moment, felt worth the time. It cost me nothing, and all I had to do was listen, which is really nothing.