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"Yes, my friend THAT is my question for you."
"It is an excellent question. The sages of all cultures and times have wrestled with that one and its related issues of 'free will'. My mind tells me that there is limited available force for individuals to be concerned about. My heart tells me that all things are proceeding as they should just like
poem 'Desiderata' says… My soul is growing through meditation to become more trusted and it gives me lots of confusing inputs on what mix of free will versus destiny is at work. It seems to say there are different situations where one is more important than other." He continued talking about this question for many months and was sending away for books that others had written on it. After a few months had passed he asked his friend what he thought about his awareness of epistemic bases for and against destiny.
"You've definitely considered most of logic and even opposing viewpoints; but I don't think Chandra would feel good about any answer you have, as yet. My own soul does not buzz like bees or fly on wings of butterflies when I hear you talk about it. Maybe you have more to learn about it, my friend."
"Have you heard a better description?"
"No. As I said your logic is impeccable. You might even be able to write a book about it. The matter that leaves me uncertain of beauty and joy your answers apprehend may be a result of my own lack of awareness. I wouldn't concern myself about what a simple fool like me thinks. Your father would probably like to hear your thoughts about it, why don't you dedicate book to him?"
"I like that idea! You’re no simple fool either, my friend."
It was a year before he completed first draft and that co-incided with half of his allotted time to wait. He gave his friend manuscript and was anxious about his reaction to it. In a couple of weeks his friend returned manuscript to him. When he got upstairs with package he saw his friend had written a beautiful poem that expressed his feelings about book and his appreciation for effort young man had put into it.
"I loved your poem! Could I use it in my book? I think I'm going to send it to my father and a professor I know, with a view to getting it published. I have to do a re-write first, mind you."
"That would be a great honour for me to have my poem in your fine book… I see you are thinking about asking Dalai Lama same question though. That tells me you still aren't sure of your answer."
Chandra was listening to them talk and he interjected. "There are no 'black and white' answers, Papa!"
"Yes, Chandra." The young man smiled in appreciation of support. "The Dalai Lama would agree with you on that. I think!"
"Yes, HE would. But is that not a lot like your Western scientists who theorize so much, with so little faith?" The restaurant owner remarked. At end of three years his final draft was sent to his father with a note to take it to his professor if he thought it worthy. His friend's question still bothered young man but he was still sure adding a great wise man’s response from Dalai Lama would be interesting to most readers; but he didn't want to waste his question on something he knew so well.
His father was able to see a lot of growth in writing of his son, and he said he enjoyed style and wit. He had taken it to professor and was awaiting a reply, but he felt sure that it would be good for an academic publisher. His mother felt it was great and she said she was 'so proud' she took a copy for her friends. His father's comments about maturity made young man smile because he knew there was an element of projection and competition in that kind of thinking. He felt almost vindicated in his commitment and was so happy he hadn't given up that day a couple of years earlier.
When they had arranged a publisher it became clear that book could use some publicity and he was faced with having to leave. If he didn't return to U.S. and do talk show circuit they were going to just make it available through educational channels. He had no real burning desire to ask any specific question and he almost went home.
"Mister Writer, have you decided whether to stay or go home?" Chandra asked his 'big brother' while he had explained situation in restaurant after getting letter. He was trying to encourage Chandra to follow in his footsteps and become a teacher or writer, but he didn't know what was right to do.
"Life isn't always so simple, Chandra." His mother commented.
"What's that mean?" Chandra retorted.
"Yes! That's it!! I'll ask Dalai Lama 'What is meaning of LIFE?!" The young man beamed as if he had found an epiphany of first order. They all agreed question was one that would lead anyone to a lot of different places. There was a lot about destiny matter in it too. When he was finally ushered in to presence of greatly revered religious leader he was ready with a speech and his question.
"What is your question, noble sir?" The red-capped lama who had met with him five years earlier asked in a voice that brought hall into a hush of silent contemplation.
"Most gracious and benevolent Master: I thank you for time you give me, today. Much to my surprise I have found time spent here has been very productive. Surely I once thought five years was too long to wait for one answer. There is great clarity of mind on matter of my question. Should you be able to answer it, I think Peace may be possible for more than just my simple self. MY quest has been rewarded no matter what your response is; because I have written a philosophy book that is being used in U.S. schools. The people gathered here will certainly see merit of question and judge your answer, as will I."
The Dalai Lama yawned and smiled before gazing into heart of young man about to be young no longer. "Whatever could be more important than knowing what you already know in your own soul, my son?"
Feeling force of austere man and his question, young man lost some of his former bravado and said: "What is MEANING of life?"
"That is your question I take it… Life is like a beanstalk. ISN'T IT?!"
As young man was flying home he wondered why crowded room hadn't broken out in laughter. He felt so foolish for not seeing what Chandra had said as they had walked back for their final dinner together.
"YES! Without growth all things die!"
Guest expert at World-Mysteries.com Columnist in The ES Press Magazine Author of Diverse Druids
