Meaning of Life. (Concluded)

One night when I was alone, I was lying in my bed. I had been thinking of my bed for a long time when I was in my university hostel. At last, I got my hard-earned nap. But then, I started thinking of nonsense things-matters that I have never think of before- and began asking myself questions. Why do I draw breath? What is life? Does our meaningfulness of life determined by religion?

I just couldn't sleep that night, thinking about life. Pretty silly, you might say. But yeah, I started to wonder whether I appreciated my life or not. I have few friends that said that I never appreciated my life (I understand, because they are trying to preach their religion), and so I started to wonder. After I have started my religion studies, I begin to think critically and started to concern about life. In fact, every religion tell its followers to appreciate life. Buddha often teaches his followers that desires can destroy the happiness and joy of life. I agree with this very much, and I admit that I have many worldly things that I wished to possess. Remembering my family's past, it makes me wonder how can they be very happy with their lives when they were struck by poverty. They ate tree bark for lunch and sometimes, if they are lucky enough, have potatoes for dinner. Yet they do not complain. Now, if I gave my aunt potatoes for her birthday, she will cry out of joy. She really provoked my thoughts. Personally, I would only accept birthday presents that costs more than RM 10. But my aunt is content with just a bag of potatoes.

Somehow, I always feel like I am lacking of something. I bet most of you feel the same too. The moment I get certain things, like money, I do not have any contentment inside of me. And I am sure that I am not appreciating my life, or things that are happening around me. Trying something that I have never done before, I gave a beggar RM 1 when I was shopping in Sunway Pyramid. I saw the joy in his eyes, thanking me with a wide smile that is not supposed to be on a beggar's face. RM 1. It was unbelievable. With RM 1, I can buy happiness. But yet, I have thousands of Ringgit Malaysia in my account, why am I not content?

This incident inspired me of a story. This story is about a man who went to his friend's house. His friend cooked something and asked the man to try it. "Hm... It lacked of taste." So his friend put a pinch of salt on the food. The second time the man tried the food, he said, "it is marvellous! With just a pinch of salt, it makes a big difference!" Then his friend said something that changed his life forever, "a pinch of salt makes the food tastes the best, but too much salt can ruin everything." This explains a lot to us. Contentment and moderation. This is also why Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told his followers to practice Islam in a moderate way. Because too much salt can ruin everything.

I have understood what is life by now. It is now the time to practice what I know. At least I am now content with what I have. At least I am walking the right path of morality. If I am happy and content with my own life, who are they to disagree with me? Why should I let my friends dictate my own basis of life? Why should I fight or disagree with their point of view towards my life? This is my own point of view, whether you agree or disagree, it doesn't make any changes to the world. Live life without prejudice. Live life by contributing to the society. Live life by obeying the rules of religion (regardless of any religion).

I have found my own meaning of life, have you found yours?



"If one day you found yourself waking up, looking forward to face your troubles with an open heart; then you have finally appreciated your life." - My own philosophy.