The Gospel According to Acharya S
Celebration of Life
What is the purpose in life? Is it simply to follow rules and rote that make people into robots and clones? It is clear that
human beings, free from stifling and enslaving ideologies, can become great, exalted and divine. While it is crucial and good to engage in the
breaking down of these divisive and dangerous ideologies that make human beings less glorious than they truly are, it is also necessary to
identify that glory, such that we may all strive to attain to it. The human experience has always been one of extremes, and we have seen how
negative extremes have manifested themselves in the human species and in the natural world around them. We have attempted to destroy these
divisions. Now is the time to reveal the beauty and vivacity of the butterfly that emerges when the dead and desiccated cocoon is removed.
When are Human Beings at Their Best?
When human beings have fully blossomed, when they've reached a certain level of soul maturity that is balanced, neither too
aggressive nor too ineffectual, they are a wonder to behold, bursting with life and love. These divine beings have a tremendous sense of humor,
knowing well that there is no reason to take this long, strange trip seriously. This wondrous state of being does not require extraordinary
intelligence but wisdom, which can be found even within a tiny seed. The intelligence it does require is that which compels all living creatures
to truly be alive. This natural state is in fact the same in which animals live; it is not difficult to attain. Yet, because of ego encrustation,
many people cannot regain this experience, which is that of childhood.
People at their best maintain the awe and wonder of a child while developing the responsibility and integrity of true
adulthood. They are sensitive and empathetic, sharing in the pain of others and providing remedy. Yet they are not emotional basketcases who
become too debilitated by tragedy for their own good and that of others. Of course, such an experience is necessary for a soul to mature, but
there comes a time when one has had enough and demands change for one's own life, those of loved ones and of all life in general. The
metamorphosis into a true human being is propelled by the painful experiences. At the point of blooming, one has truly decided that pain is to be
avoided and that one's actions will be designed to provoke the most amount of happiness and bliss.
The ability to change instantly a bad situation into a good one is not so easily gained, yet it is at times like these, when
people pull together and bring off masterful miracles, that human beings really shine. For, during these moments of catastrophe, whether it be an
earthquake, other act of nature or human tragedy, all division and prejudice are cast aside, and glorious heroes are created. So, the blossoming
individual is a hero or heroine. But this statement is not to be construed as hero worship or as an encouragement for people to be overly heroic
such that they endanger themselves or others; it is simply that when these moments happen, they reveal the best of the human being. It is not the
only time that the best is revealed, obviously. And, obviously, we'd prefer to avoid catastrophes in the first place. As they say, it is
unfortunate that it takes tragedy to bring out the best in people.
When human beings take it on their own initiative to right a wrong or better a situation, they are at their luscious best.
When they are selfless enough to step in where needed and responsible enough to be concerned about others and their environment. When they have
the class to be gracious and forgiving - this is when humans reach perfection.
Humans Can Be Radiant and Superb
Human beings are also at their best when they are around animals and babies, which can be perfectly enjoyable in a perfect
world. Children are frequently simply amazing beings who express endless joy and love. It is true that although they are not very cognizant,
babies are teachers, in that they provide examples of our true natures. And this is one reason why people have children: to vicariously
experience their awe and bliss, which are divine aspects. Of course, not all children are fortunate enough to have this rapturous life. But
humans at their best strive to provide all others, including animals, with this ultimate life experience of being surrounded by love and
wonderment. Animals, of course, frequently bring out the best in humans, in many different situations. Pets no doubt give many people much thrill
at being alive. Like babies, some animals are truly adorable and can get a smile out of the worst grouch. And baby animals could melt an
iceberg.
People are also at their best when they participate in group activities that are pure and raw, not repeating mindless rote as
in church, but singing songs of many types, cheering on others, going on nature walks, dancing in ecstasy, or swimming.
Humans are also wonderful when they are creative. When creating, humans are about as divine as they can become, since
creativity is the realm of the creator. Creativity is the creator. As is destruction. And art is both. The greatest works of art move us
profoundly, whether they may be paintings, photos, films or literature. But an equation that solves the world's energy needs or a medical
technique that allows for normal life are also great works of art. An environmentally friendly community is art. Art includes beautiful
performances that stir us to laughter and tears, such as singing, dancing or figure skating. Even a great athletic competition can be art. As
would be a less popular battle of the wits. And, in a world where overpopulation is not a problem, creating another life is a wondrous work of
art. Art can basically be categorized as the striving for excellence in any field, subject or interest. This striving for excellence, however,
would not be a neurotic quest for perfection in which one self-flagellates or bludgeons others for perceived small mistakes. This quest for
excellence is a celebration along the way; it is enjoyable in itself. The artist knows there will always be flaws but attempts to reduce them,
purely for the pleasure of doing so, of improving, but not out of some frenzied and desperate sense.
When creating art of any sort, humans are sublime and celestial. They are the ideal of the universe, the pinnacle of creation
itself. They are angels and gods. And this is one reason human beings are cherished, and why the human incarnation, as bad as it can get, is so
desirable.
Another reason the human experience is so alluring is because of love and sex, pure and simple. It would not be an
overstatement that every living creature enjoys feeling ecstasy, that blissful rush which dissolves the boundaries of existence. Thus, the
delectable sensation attracts randy souls from around the cosmos. Many are vying for time on this plane, despite its serious pitfalls, because
the return to the Void from here is a hell of a ride! Or a heaven of a ride, as the case may be. But this rush refers not only to the permanent
leaving of the body. It can be experienced through the body, by a variety of methods from art to sports to meditation. Besides the physical
ecstasy, however, there is spiritual orgasm, which serves to reconnect a soul with the Source, and here again is when humans become divine. This
cosmic orgasm reveals the illusion of creation and the oneness of all. It also brings the understanding that while souls may be encased within
separate identities, they are all part of the purity and beauty of the whole. And the true love produced between human beings sets the cosmos
itself on fire. It lights up the whole universe. This state of evolution is when humans at are their best.
And humans are also at their ultimate best when they are not constantly focused on being with people but can walk through the
woods, climb a hill or lie in a meadow, where the aroma of flowers grabs their attention and makes them look closer at their surroundings. People
are fully alive when they are in nature, when their feet are massaged by grass or sand, when they are sitting silently against a tree, listening
to the music of the birds and the wind. It is when they are lying under a starry sky projecting themselves into the vast and miraculous unknown.
This communion with nature is one with the entire cosmos. It is, indeed, a celebration of life.
The Gospel According to Acharya S
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