We know people go to Varanasi to die. For centuries, Hindus have gone to the holy city on the Ganges to attain instant moksha, or “release”, at the moment of death for centuries.
But, a visit to Varanasi inspired me to live — and to not die.
Varanasi is a reminder that life is fragile and it goes by quickly. Before we know it, life is over. Sometimes, unexpectedly and sometimes sooner than later. Varanasi’s Ganges river and burning pyres is a reminder of this.
In Atul Gawande’s book, ‘Being Mortal’, he says as life goes on and our time winds down (aware of our finitude), people comfort in simple pleasures → companionship, everyday routines, the taste of good food, and the warmth of sunlight on our faces. They become less interested in rewards and accumulating, and more interested in the rewards of simply being and enjoying. Insofar as possible, to keep shaping the story of their life in the world according to their own priorities.
Some say they will wait until they retire to travel — by then the experience will not be the same as when traveling during youthful years. And, there is no guarantee for those who wait they make it to retirement, or retain good enough health to be mobile.
The Ben Franklin quote reminded me of ‘Being Mortal’. Are you living to your own priorities? Are you wanting to travel — but don’t?
More importantly, are you ‘living’ or slowly dying? What’s holding you back? Fear, a relationship, a job, or concern about what others think?
“Some People Die At 25 And Aren’t Buried Until 75”
Everybody dies but not everybody lives.
Life is too short to not travel — now.