The Big Mysteries of Life

Krishna and Arjuna at Kurukshetra, 18th–19th century painting (Wikipedia)

Have been reading several philosophy books lately and watching these lectures (by Jay Garfield, U of Pittsburgh) from the Teaching Company on the Meaning of Life. In particular, please do yourself a favor today and buy the entire 36-lecture series and marvel at the parallels between your own life and these allegorical ancient tales. They are timeless and universal and I'm an inquirer not a believer in hocus pocus. Also, if you're put off by religion (other than your own) you will need to put these ideas aside for a moment and enjoy the show.

While you're at it, please buy and watch everything from Robert C. Solomon, too (UT-Austin and U of Michigan). We had the honor to attend a special lecture from him at the Austin History Center a few years before he died in 2007.

Also, I've been making friends with death after reading: Making Friends With Death by Judith L. Lief. Huh. Huh. Huh. Huh. Seriously, though. It's an excellent book, fast read; and no, I don't want to die but this book helps get you ready for the inevitable for yourself, friends, and loves. One highlight:

Tonglen  --> put others before the self "exchange self from other"; or, to borrow from Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid movie: "breathe in, breathe out."

Before you think I've become (as our dear friend, Jeff, would say: "A complete twinkle ding-dong"); please know, this idea is the most achievable in your immediate future and has practical application every day-->I promise! The idea is that when you're upset, you breathe in the most specific hostile thought that you're feeling and breathe out a specific calming thought. You will amaze at how well this works to calm body and mind in an instant. Try it the next time someone cuts you off in traffic!

In breath: "You stupid sumbitch trying to get us all killed!"
Out breath: "No errand is so important it's worth our lives."