Over the years of writing this blog, I’ve offered different takes on the meaning of life.
I’ve never suggested a definitive answer.
Maybe pictures will do a better job.
Here are a few ways to look at it — literally.
From the Top:
Laura Hedien captures the world’s beauty in her photography and is kind enough to allow me to display it. You and I enjoy the pictures because of her subject matter, her gift of capturing it, and because it is there.
Thus, one implied meaning to the gorgeous Arizona sunset (above) is that one cannot take such photos unless we protect the world from the existential danger of climate change. Preserving the only home we have (and all the living things on it portrayed elsewhere in her work) is one possible meaning of life.
The Jains:
Jainism, one of the world’s oldest religions, involves three central beliefs: ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (asceticism). The principal vows taken by Jain monks are ahiṃsā (non-violence), Satya (truth), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness).
To live by those beliefs, a Jain’s diet is lacto-vegetarian. Moreover, the Sthanakvasi Jain Monks wear a Muhpatti type of facemask to avoid damaging sacred books accidentally or inhaling small insects (seen as a violent act) and to remind them to refrain from violence in speech.*
The Meaning You Give It:
One who lives as an existentialist has given himself the task of making his own meaning. He tries to do justice to the complexity of the life we are thrown into. This requires grappling with the weight of responsibility for creating a life, its meaning, our anxiety, and the world’s absurdity. He has the opportunity to create something of value and uniqueness that is worth his effort.
The blank canvas of his existence waits for him to fill it in.
Bringing Life into the World
I cannot say these photos cover all life’s possible meanings, but the last one is personal. Yours truly, then a man with hair, was holding one of my children slightly closer than shown. My daughter peed on me a moment before, producing the twin smiles.
How does this figure into a meaning for life? Life comprises three components: love, laughter, and getting peed on, often unintended but sometimes unfortunate in a way very different than anything below.
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The top photo is Arizona Sunset, late July 2020, South of Tucson by Laura Hedien: Laura Hedien Official Website.
*The two paragraphs describing Jainism are sourced from Wikipedia. The photo of the Sthanakvasi Jain Monk is the work of Samyak Modi, while the Easel With Empty Canvas was photographed by Cara from Boston. The second and third images are sourced from Wikimedia Commons.
Life, live it for the beauty and the wonderful relationships we can have, while having a moral compass to navigate our way through! Yes! Love it! Also love the photos of the sunset and you and your daughter!
Much appreciated, Tamara. Just be sure someone doesn’t step on your moral compass!
I rather like the idea of the existential blank canvas, fully open to interpretation and creation. I especially like that lovely father with the gorgeous and joyful baby in his arms 🙂
Thank you, Deb. Yes, my family is more than lucky. As to a blank canvas, I trust you have done worthwhile work on your own. No doubt at all.
Thank you for the primer about the Jains…and for sharing Laura’s beautiful work. Most of all, thanks for the reminder to hold what’s precious — if you can, for as long as you can. The sweet photo of you and your daughter is a treasure. ❤️ Meaning of life, indeed!
Your comment touches the heart, Vicki. No wonder you and Wynne call your enterprise “The Heart of the Matter.” Thank you!
It’s as if the monk is wearing a “blank canvas” on his mouth! Interesting to me is that the mask is meant to both keep things in and keep things out. I also like the fact that the mask is white (pure). I like quiet, holy things that mean no harm.
Sounds like the monk rings the right bells for you, ren. As you might know, the religion is largely practiced in India. It does seem well thought out, and far from the religious practices in the West. Thank you for your keen observations!
I think that Laura’s photo of the Arizona sunset says it all. Just be, says Mother Gaia.
Hard to argue with, Rosaliene. We seek beauty, enjoy beauty, and take meaning from it. Let us hope we preserve that naturally occurring beauty and life, as well.
“Beauty will save the world.”
Prince Mishkin, in Dostoïevsky’s “Idiot”.
A great book and a perfect quote, Micaela. The Prince deserved a better outcome to reward his great heart.
I love the picture of you with your daughter! Such a funny and precious moment – and remarkable that someone caught in on camera!
What an incredible offering you’ve presented us here. The meaning of life in pictures has me feeling deeply contemplative. Thank you!
You are welcome, Wynne. Just don’t get too deep. You were meant for the heights!