Contradiction in Human Life

 The contradiction in human life stems from the disparity between our true nature, our beliefs, and our actions. Human existence broadly comprises two fundamental components: (a) the physical body, which is tangible and visible to the external world, and (b) the subtle form, which encompasses all other aspects, including the mind and, at the deepest level, consciousness—most commonly referred to as the soul. This subtle form enables human beings to perform all functions through the physical faculties and senses. With the passage of time, both the physical body and the mind age. As age increases, the body naturally degenerates. Similarly, the mind also ages, losing its ability to comprehend situations, ultimately leading to disease and death.

Thus, we enter this world with a body at birth and relinquish it at death. The period between these two processes is what we call life. It is during this period that we develop attachment to material things. This attachment initiates suffering due to the fear of losing these possessions, which inevitably occurs at some point. Furthermore, we observe that at birth we bring nothing but our physical body, and at death we physically carry nothing with us, as the body is left behind. The contradiction then is: why are we so inclined to attach ourselves to various objects, material wealth, and possessions, knowing full well that everything will be left behind when death comes?

The purpose behind acquiring various possessions, material wealth, and property can only be one: to console ourselves that our next generation will enjoy what we leave behind for them, ensuring it does not go to waste. However, the suffering encountered in maintaining these possessions throughout our lives is enormous, affecting us both physically and mentally. The desire for acquiring all material possessions, properties, name, fame, and social status arises in the mind as demands for the fulfillment of our ego's needs—an ominous mental attribute common to all human beings. Only a spiritual person who has relinquished ego concurrently has very few material needs, like the sages. Such an individual is more inclined to their social purpose, focusing on doing good for society at large. Consequently, the spiritual person does not undergo the enormous physical and mental suffering experienced by the worldly person and is, therefore, a much happier person than the common worldly individual.

Thus, we see that meaning and happiness in life come not from material possession and accumulation of property, since they serve only self-interest and fulfil only our ego. As products of society, we certainly owe a moral responsibility to contribute by paying back in the best possible way we are able to. This contribution gives meaning and purpose to our lives, providing an enormous level of happiness. This could be the only way to free ourselves from the trap of contradiction in life.

CONTROLLING THE MIND AND SENSES AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS

 

Controlling the Mind and Senses and Its Benefits

Our body, as we know from experience, is intimately connected with the five senses, which play a pivotal role in all our physical and mental activities. As sentient beings, we are conditioned by the strong belief that our existence is defined by our physical form—the body. The functioning of the body is manifested through the senses. Every activity that a person engages in during the waking hours of the day involves one or more of these five senses. The senses become associated with the thoughts related to the activity, giving rise to emotions that direct those thoughts and ultimately lead to action.

Whenever the mind encounters something pleasurable, it generates positive emotions such as happiness, satisfaction, or motivation. Conversely, when it encounters something unpleasant or painful, it produces negative emotions such as despair, shock, frustration, or sorrow. If human beings were always given a choice, they would naturally prefer experiences that bring happiness and avoid those that cause suffering. However, such a choice is impossible because everything in nature is constantly changing. Whether in the external world or within the mind itself, change is inevitable. Physical illness also causes suffering, but in this discussion we shall focus only on the mental aspects.

The very foundation of the physical world is perpetual change. Everything is in a continuous state of flow and is therefore transient or impermanent. This reality demands that human beings develop the ability to adapt to constant change. Unfortunately, most people find this difficult because the mind is often emotionally fragile. Even the anticipation of an adverse event, or the experience of one in the present, can produce anxiety, fear, despair, or sorrow.

This happens because people are generally more focused on the external world than on their inner world. Whenever they perceive an event as unpleasant, fearful, or sorrowful, the senses transmit these impressions to the mind, triggering emotional reactions. These emotions then influence behaviour and often result in a negative shift in one's mental state.

Most people live with their minds operating on what is commonly called "autopilot." In this state, the mind is not under conscious control and is easily distracted by pleasant or unpleasant experiences in the external world. Because conscious awareness is weak, the individual lacks the willpower to regulate the continuous stream of thoughts. As a result, the mind constantly fluctuates between positive and negative emotional states, producing frequent changes in mood.

One of the most effective ways to overcome this condition is through the practice of mindfulness, a form of meditation. During mindfulness practice, attention is gently directed inward, allowing the senses to withdraw from excessive involvement with the external world. As the senses become calm, the mind also becomes peaceful. Gradually, anxiety about the future and regret over the past begin to diminish because the mind learns to rest in the present moment—the "here and now."

By cultivating this state of present-moment awareness, an individual develops greater control over the mind and is less easily distracted by external circumstances. Attention shifts from the ever-changing external world to the inner self, creating harmony between the mind and the body.

The greatest benefit of controlling the mind and senses is the reduction of suffering. A disciplined and mindful mind develops greater resilience and adaptability, enabling a person to face life's inevitable challenges with calmness, clarity, and equanimity. Rather than being overwhelmed by changing circumstances, such a person responds with wisdom and balance, thereby experiencing greater inner peace and lasting well-being.

IMPERMANENCE AND NON-ATTACHMENT

One of the most fundamental truths about nature is captured in a short statement by this Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus:

                        "Everything flows."

This simple observation suggests that nothing in nature remains static. Everything is in a state of continuous change. When we say that everything “flows,” we mean that everything is impermanent—it changes from what it was before.

Human beings, however, tend to hold on to whatever they find pleasant and resist letting it go. As a result, they become physically or emotionally attached to people, possessions, events, and ideas. Yet whatever we become attached to is also subject to change. Nothing remains the same forever because change is an unavoidable law of nature. Time continually transforms all things, and no one can stop this process.

Most people are not fully conscious of this reality. They assume, often unconsciously, that what they value will remain unchanged. When change inevitably occurs, they experience disappointment, anxiety, and suffering. In this sense, attachment becomes the beginning of suffering.

The opposite of attachment is non-attachment, or the ability to let go without clinging. Practicing non-attachment does not mean indifference or lack of care; rather, it means appreciating things while accepting their impermanent nature. This attitude marks the beginning of freedom from unnecessary suffering.

However, cultivating non-attachment is not easy. It requires a conscious effort to overcome deeply conditioned patterns of thought and behavior. Changing one's mental outlook and relinquishing the habit of clinging demand patience, awareness, and continuous practice.