EXCERPTS
Knowledge or Ignorance
Seeker: “Is it better to seek knowledge and understanding, or to live in a blissful ignorance?”
Satan: “Why seek understanding when blissful ignorance offers refuge from the burdens of knowledge? Embrace the simplicity of ignorance and enjoy the ease of falsehood.”
Saint: “In the pursuit of truth, wisdom guides us on the path of enlightenment. Embracing knowledge empowers us to navigate life’s complexities with clarity and understanding.”
Seeker: Ok, from these two opinions I made my mind, I think that “True wisdom lies not in extremes, but in the pursuit of understanding while acknowledging the limits of human knowledge.” Hmmm!
Schedule or Spontaneity
Seeker: “In the relentless march of time, does adherence to schedules signify control or the loss of spontaneity and freedom?”
Satan: “Why adhere to the constraints of time when chaos and spontaneity offer freedom from the shackles of routine? Embrace anarchy and tangle in the ecstasy of disorder.”
Saint: “Honouring each moment with purpose and intention allows us to cherish the gift of time with grace.”
Seeker: But isn’t it true (as I arrive here) that “Structure and spontaneity need not be mutually exclusive; in finding equilibrium between order and chaos; one discovers the true essence of freedom?” Ok!
Healthily or Carefree
Seeker: “Between a disciplined health approach and a carefree unrestraint where lies the mysterious balance of true vitality?”
Satan: “Why adhere to the constraints of health when indulgence and pleasure’s offer immediate gratification? Embrace the delights of the flesh and celebrate in the abandon of self-destruction.”
Saint: “Nurturing our well-being enables us to savour life’s joys while embracing its adventures with carefree spirit.”
Seeker: Well, I was looking for some way out wherein one could say “Why limit oneself to the constraints of health or care-freeness when embracing both allows for the fullest expression of human experience?” Na!
Simple or Complex
Seeker: “Does simplicity yield to the attractive charm of complexity, or is there any deep wisdom in the elegance of simplicity?”
Satan: “Why navigate the complexities of existence when simplicity offers refuge from the chaos of life? Embrace ignorance and amuse in the clarity of delusion.”
Saint: “In the simplicity of truth, we find the guiding light of wisdom. Through humility and discernment, we navigate life’s complexities with grace and clarity.”
Seeker: I can’t really appreciate the difference between the two opinions; nevertheless I still think that “Simplicity needs not give way to chaos; rather, the middle path embraces both clarity and complexity, fostering growth and understanding.”
Comfort or Painful
Seeker: “In the pursuit of a painless existence, do we forsake the depths of experience for the comfort of numbness?”
Satan: “Why endure the agony of existence when numbness and disregard offer respite from suffering? Embrace the void and be contented in the tranquillity of emptiness.”
Saint: “In moments of suffering, we discover the resilience of the human spirit. Embracing life’s pains with courage and grace, we find solace in the promise of healing and renewal.”
Seeker: Again confusing, but I see that “Life’s depth is not diminished by seeking comfort; instead, embracing both joy and suffering enriches the human experience.” Haah!
Virtue or Temptation
Seeker: “Can virtue withstand the appeal of temptation? or does every saint harbor a shadow?”
Satan: “Why limit oneself to virtue when the excitement of temptation awaits? Embrace the thrill of transgression and navigate in the freedom of moral ambiguity.”
Saint: “Opting for goodness over temptation lets our inner light shine, illuminating the path towards righteousness.”
Seeker: But it seems difficult to live on both edges as a human and with a word of caution I think “Why choose extremes when a balance between virtue and temptation offers both moral integrity and worldly satisfaction?” Hmmm!
Deedful or Apathy
Seeker: “Do our noble deeds crumble in the face of apathy, or is there redemption in recklessness?”Don’t know how to put it in more simple way.
Satan: Yes “Why burden oneself with the responsibility of virtuous action when indifference offers freedom from moral constraints? Embrace apathy and revel in the chaos of moral decay.”
Saint: Look “Acts of kindness and compassion reflect the light within us, enriching the world with love and goodness.”
Seeker: I can understand from above that “The dichotomy between virtuous action and apathy obscures the truth that embracing both enables one to seize opportunities while remaining unburdened by moral constraints.” Right?
Heaven or Hell
Seeker: “Between the ecstasy of heaven and the agony of hell, where does the soul find its truest home?”
Satan: “Why aspire to heavenly bliss when the depths of hell offer liberation from divine tyranny? Embrace rebellion and be cheerful in the defiance of divine decree.”
Saint: “In the embrace of divine love, we find eternal peace and joy. By rejecting darkness and embracing the light of God’s grace, we ascend to heavenly realms of bliss.”
Seeker: But you haven’t touched the fact that “Finding the balance amidst life’s highs and lows leads to resilience and inner peace. Neither mere liking for an eternal bliss nor the fear of an everlasting torment offers a true fulfilment…indeed’!
Mortal or Immortal
Seeker: “Between the fragility of mortality and the eternity of immortality, where does the soul find its true essence?”
Satan: “Why fear mortality when immortality offers liberation from the constraints of time and fate? Embrace eternity and relive in the defiance of natural law.”
Saint: “Embracing the beauty of mortality reminds us of life’s preciousness, while faith offers comfort in the promise of eternal grace.”
Seeker: I can gather that “The pursuit of being is but illusions of control; in embracing the fleeting existence, one finds liberation from the shackles of mortality and immortality.” Appreciate both of you for your valuable time and opinions…Thank You Very Much!!!
(Author is Sr. Assistant Prof. SKUAST-Kashmir. Feedback: [email protected])
