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.
