Life, in many ways, can be compared to two great literary and philosophical works: the Tripitaka and the Mahabharata. Each offers a unique perspective on existence, guiding us through the complexities of human experience.
On one hand, life resembles the Tripitaka, the sacred Buddhist scriptures. When read and understood correctly, it reveals the true path shown by nature toward ultimate truth. As human beings, we are part of nature, and our journey aligns with its wisdom. The Tripitaka embodies this inherent truth, guiding us toward enlightenment and self-discovery.
On the other hand, life is like the Mahabharata, a grand epic that has been shaped and reshaped over time. Just as the Mahabharata has undergone additions, reinterpretations, and omissions, so too is life a continuous narrative influenced by personal experiences, societal changes, and historical contexts. People before us have given life different interpretations, modifying its essence in various ways. Yet, despite these alterations, there are always individuals who can perceive its true meaning—just as some still grasp the fundamental truths within the Mahabharata.
A significant example of steadfast personal principles can be found in my maternal grandmother. One of her most remarkable qualities was her ability to make firm decisions and remain unwavering in her character. To a great extent, she maintained a strong-willed nature, which at times was beneficial and, at other times, challenging.
I vividly remember her saying that if she ever reached a point where she could no longer take care of herself and had to rely on others for basic tasks, she would not want to continue living. She once expressed that she never wished to depend on others for something as simple as using the toilet.
I seem to have inherited this trait from her. At the age of eighty-six, my grandmother slipped and fell near a well while washing one of her grandson’s school uniforms. The fall resulted in a broken hip, requiring hospitalization. Unable to walk, she refused to eat, as she could no longer use the toilet independently. Even with medical intervention, including intravenous fluids, she remained resolute in her decision, ultimately passing away.
I experienced a similar moment of determination after undergoing a major surgical procedure that required admission to the intensive care unit. When the doctor advised me to eat, I refused. He explained that resuming normal eating habits was the best indicator of recovery. He then stated, “We can only move you back to your hospital room if you eat.”
In response, I said, “I will only eat if you move me back to my room.”
Recognizing my determination, the doctor instructed the nurse, “Put him in his hospital room.”
Once there, I insisted on regaining mobility without assistance. Though weakened and struggling to maintain balance, I managed to walk with difficulty. I repurposed a towel rack as a support, hanging my urine collection bottle and other drains on it, and slowly made my way down the corridor.
By the evening, when the doctor returned, he found me walking down the stairs. My primary goal was to regain independence in using the restroom, a milestone that accelerated my discharge and return home.
My mother was deeply affected in the days following my return. I will never forget her care and concern. Throughout my life, she had always been the best nurse I ever had, tending to me whenever I was unwell. Until the day she passed away, she knew how much I appreciated and cherished her unwavering love and support.
In conclusion, life reflects both the structured wisdom of the Tripitaka and the evolving narrative of the Mahabharata. It is a blend of inherent truths and subjective interpretations, shaped by personal resilience, external influences, and the love of those around us. Through self-determination and the unwavering support of family, we navigate this intricate journey, seeking meaning amid its constant transformations.
