The path to Tranquility (spring)
37. Accepting the uncertainty of life
Life is a constantly changing process, and we cannot determine its future. If
we were to find something that could determine its future, then we would also
be able to determine that it is an inanimate object. Death seems more certain,
and we can determine that life will end, but we still cannot determine when, where and how it will end.
The uncertainty of life creates a lot of tension and anxiety in us. The uncertainty of life leads to a lot of anxiety and tension. We always hope to predict our future and prepare for it, even seeking divine guidance or fortune-telling for guidance for future actions. In addition, uncertainty also means insecurity, which also causes us to have a lot of fear and cannot live in the present with peace of mind.
Trying to find certainties in life creates conflicting thoughts. Precisely because life is uncertain that we can experience the joy of survival every day with a sense of freshness. And because life is uncertain, it is possible for us to extend our lifespan and even live healthily to an undetermined age. If we were certain that we would die on a particular day, life would not be as beautiful because once we adopt a doomsday mentality, we become negative. Conversely, if we were certain that life would never end, we would become bored and no longer cherish life. It is uncertainty that fills us with hope for life.
We should accept the uncertainty of life. Uncertainty is a good thing because it means that life continues to exist, albeit with danger, but with many possibilities. A rock is very certain and supported by the ground, so there is little danger, but it cannot feel or create. We live in various predicaments and disasters, experiencing birth, aging, sickness, and death, and are creating a new world. This is the miracle of life because we actively influence the development of the universe.
If certainty is required, then we should accept danger because it is the most certain situation in life. Accepting danger means that we recognize the danger, rather than just feeling it like animals. Animals usually have no sense of crisis and will only react instinctively when frightened, leaving traces for those smart predators.
Only by accepting uncertainty can we develop a true sense of crisis, not panic when facing danger, and not fall into another danger to escape from one danger. With this acceptance, we no longer need those false senses of security and are free from the material desires and burdens that arise from fear. By facing the real situation of the world, our consciousness can play a protective role in life and enable us to better control our own destiny.
Uncertainty only applies to a large space-time range, while in a small space-time range, such as a few minutes in a room, we can be very certain about the situation we will encounter. Therefore, as long as we focus on living in the present moment, we can have a more complete grasp of the future. Once we understand this, we can accept the uncertainty of life.
36. Understanding the objective meaning of life
38. About the objective definition of love
