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Being and Non-Being
As human beings, we stand at the crossroads of existence—a unique vantage point. Our awareness grants us the privilege of knowing that life is finite. We recognise that someday, we’ll reach the precipice of our own mortality. This awareness, paradoxically, can ignite wonder and dread within us.
In our modern age, the concept of death often looms like a shadow, casting fear upon our hearts. We grapple with the delicate balance between being and non-being. Most of us yearn to exist for as long as possible, yet the mere thought of not being fills us with trepidation.
Cultural Threads and Purpose
Enter Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher and theologian—an early explorer of existentialism, asked the questions: Why do we exist? What purpose must we fulfil during our earthly visit?
Across millennia, cultures and beliefs have woven intricate tapestries around existence. Some ancient traditions celebrated life as part of the planet’s grand symphony. Birth, life, and death—the natural stages—were embraced with reverence. It was a shared human experience, and everyone knew their role in the cosmic dance.
Customs, Rituals, and Transition
In those bygone days, customs and rituals enveloped the transition from life to death. Families and communities stood together, guiding their loved ones toward the afterlife. These ceremonies weren’t morbid; they were sacred passages. They honoured the departed and connected the living to something greater.
Today, as we navigate our own existence, let’s pause. Let’s remember that we’re part of this ancient continuum—a thread woven into the fabric of time. Perhaps, in embracing life’s marvels and acknowledging our mortality, we find solace. And just maybe, the fear of non-being transforms into acceptance—a quiet surrender to the rhythm of existence.
So, my friends, let us live fully, love deeply, and honour the journey. For in the end, we’re all just travellers.
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