In Search of Wisdom

THESE days, people are being bombarded with all sorts of information through different media. When one wakes up in the morning, one gets to listen to, or see, a variety of info ranging from reasonable holiday destinations to the benefits of low-calorie milk. What can one do in this situation? Choices appear to be endless in modern times in which globalisation has blurred cultural boundaries. Indeed, these days one can have Indian curry at a restaurant in Paris, while the next day one can eat halwa-puri in Manchester. However, with all the information and knowledge, some essential things seem to be missing.

Whenever one comes across a mountain, one wonders and thinks about its magnanimity. Mountains seem to have a mystical presence, attracting those who are into the mysteries of life — and death. They seem to have a soul of their own.

It is said that Native American shamans used to live in the mountains searching for what they called ‘celestial openings’. According to them, there was a higher earth wherein the souls of their ancestors lived. They would go there in order to purify themselves and get wisdom to lead their worldly lives. Warriors would also go there in order to test themselves against the vicissitudes of the mountains. Monotheistic religions too have examples of prophets meditating in the mountains. One cannot help but wonder why the prophets had a special inclination towards climbing mountains in search of wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Surely, there is some message in it for those who contemplate.

Mountain climbing and life have a lot in common. While mountaineering, one has to toil hard in order to reach the summit. The effort is duly rewarded with the view one gets form the top; the clear perception of things, the far-sightedness, the vastness of the horizon. This also holds true for life. At the base one is full of enthusiasm and has one’s eyes set on the summit. The terrain is flat and easy; the onlookers cheer one up. It is when one begins to reach the summit that the real test of determination takes its toll. Sometimes it is the ‘decision’ to reach the top that keeps one going or the mystery of ‘what’s-on-the-other-side’ that keeps one on one’s toes. Most people abandon the journey for various reasons, but it has to be a conscious effort. In the lap of these mountains one sees fields full of primroses and daffodils. One cannot help but wonder, who are they created for?

While on a mountainous journey, one can hear the echo of one’s voice. But when one keeps eyes and ears of one’s mind open, one could listen to the sound of the mountain’s soul. These pictures of joy and contentment seem to say to everybody, “we are here for anyone who is keen to make the journey and seek spiritual enlightenment. It is on top that you have the real communion. The process of climbing is for the communion with the beloved while the process of descent is for the sake of his creation. Your master is trying to teach you a lesson.”

It has to be said that we may have been created after His image, but we are not Him. Do not create pagan gods for worshipping. Heal thyself of blindness of soul. Hate, resentments, greed, exorbitant material gains, and lust are germs that cause this blindness.

Like the experience of mountain climbing, in-depth understanding of things comes from toil and discipline. Its reward is clear understanding of the human nature and certain other important things associated with it. This makes possible the acquisition of the knowledge of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. This infinite intelligence takes all of us on the path of continuous growth, as if the whole caravan is moving to a destiny known only to the Guide. ‘March on’ appears to be the demand of the rising sun, the soothing moonlight and the humming birds.

All of us have to take that individual journey of redemption where we have to acknowledge brokenness in our souls. It is in embracing one’s pain that one acquires greater insights into the pain of other human beings. After all, this is unique to human beings: angels are devoid of carnal feelings. Just as mountain climbing takes one literally to the heights where one could have a better view of things, so does wisdom, which can take one to the heights of knowledge and understanding.