The Eternal Quest: Bliss or Boredom?
In the discussion between eternal life and eternal death, the immediate value of a few centuries to millennia of immortality is undeniable. Gradual improvements and luxuries can enhance one's life for a considerable period. However, the eventual boredom and loneliness that come with millennia of existence can be overwhelming. As loved ones grow old and pass away, one is left to face an endless solitude in a dying solar system. Such a prospect can lead to existential fatigue and a sense of cosmic isolation.
The Argument for Eternal Death
The concept of eternal death as a solution to suffering is rooted in the belief that the cessation of one's being is a way to escape the sorrows of material existence. This viewpoint is particularly prominent in both Buddhism and Atheism, where the ultimate goal is to become non-existent to avoid any form of suffering. The rationale is simple: if you don't exist, you don't suffer.
However, this perspective is often dismissed as a retreat from reality. It is argued that embracing eternal life, no matter how mundane or exhausting, is more desirable for most people. This assertion is supported by the observation that all religions advocate for an eternal existence of bliss, suggesting a universal human yearning for immortality.
The Vedic Perspective
The Vedic tradition, often hailed as the oldest and most complete religious tradition, offers a different perspective on eternal life. According to Vedic philosophy, God is defined as eternal, consisting of knowledge and bliss. This definition not only makes philosophical sense but also resonates with the innate desire of all living beings to seek eternity, knowledge, and bliss.
Brahma, a deity in the Vedic tradition, describes the Supreme God, Krishna, as the eternal being of supreme bliss, the origin of all existence. This indicates that the very essence of God is eternal bliss, which is the natural state of all living entities. The pursuit of these qualities is an innate instinct that drives all living beings, whether humans or other living entities.
Reasons to Embrace Eternal Life
People often argue that eternal life would become boring, but the survival instinct, together with the mating instinct, is the most powerful instinct in all living entities. This natural drive to preserve one's being and seek companionship suggests that boredom is a temporary state rather than a permanent one. In the spiritual realm, there is no reason to believe that eternal life would lead to monotony, as the pleasures of constantly engaging with a higher being like Krishna would be endless.
The Happiness of Eternal Bliss
The ultimate goal of spiritual practices, such as chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra, is to connect with one's true identity as a soul and thus with the substance of God, which is characterized by eternity, knowledge, and bliss. In this state, one experiences boundless transcendental happiness and joy. The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text in Vedic tradition, supports this viewpoint by describing the experience of a perfected individual who can see the Self and rejoice in it, thus achieving true freedom from all material miseries.
The pursuit of eternal bliss is not just a philosophical ideal but a practical means to achieve a joyful and fulfilling existence. By invoking the name of God and petitioning Him, one can reconnect with the essence of one's true self and experience an unending state of happiness and fulfillment.
Conclusion
The question of whether eternal life or eternal death is better is ultimately a matter of personal belief and experience. While eternal death may provide a temporary escape from suffering, the inherent desire for eternal bliss and knowledge suggests that the pursuit of eternal life is more aligned with the natural state of all living beings. Embracing eternal bliss through spiritual practices is not only possible but also brings about a profound and lasting sense of happiness and fulfillment.