I have not wasted life, but life hath wasted me. Bhartrhari
Embracing the Philosophy of Bhartrhari: A Reflection on Life's Essence
In the tapestry of human existence, the threads of experience weave a
complex narrative that often defies simplistic interpretation. Among the
many voices that echo through the corridors of time, the words of
Bhartrhari, the renowned Indian philosopher-poet, resonate with a
profound sense
of introspection. His poignant reflection, "I have not wasted life, but
life hath wasted me," encapsulates a sentiment that transcends the
boundaries of time and culture, inviting us to contemplate the essence of
our own lives.
At first glance, Bhartrhari’ s assertion may appear paradoxical,
challenging our conventional notions of success and fulfilment. In a world
driven by achievements and tangible accomplishments, the idea of life being
wasted evokes a sense of failure, of opportunities squandered and potential
unrealized. Yet, delving deeper into the philosophical underpinnings of his
statement unveils a perspective that transcends the superficial trappings
of material success.
Central to Bhartrhari’ s philosophy is the recognition of life's ephemeral
nature, its transient and ever-changing character. In the grand tapestry of
existence, each individual is but a fleeting thread, woven into the fabric
of time only to be unravelled by its relentless march. From this
perspective, the notion of wasting life takes on a different hue. It is not
measured in terms of external accomplishments or societal accolades but
rather in the depth of one's inner fulfilment and self-realization.
To say, "life hath wasted me," is to acknowledge the inevitability of
adversity and suffering that accompanies the human condition. Despite our
best efforts and intentions, we are often confronted with circumstances
beyond our control, setbacks that test the very fabric of our being.
Moreover, Bhartrhari’ s reflection speaks to the futility of seeking meaning
and purpose in external pursuits alone. In a world obsessed with the
relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and fame, it is easy to lose sight of
life's deeper significance. True fulfilment, according to Bhartrhari, lies
not in the accumulation of material possessions or worldly acclaim but in
the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and inner peace. Chasing a crooked
shadow, I missed the real purpose of life that is what is being meant. I
thought chasing around 3 Ws only is life; but when the end was nearing, it
dawned on me that I missed the Bus to be encountered again with rebirths
and sufferings.
In Bhaja govindam this is stated By Adi Shankara:
*mUDha jahiihi dhanaagamatRishhNaaM*
*kuru sadbuddhiM manasi vitRishhNaam.*
*yallabhase nijakarmopaattaM*
*vittaM tena vinodaya chittam.* .. (2)
Oh fool ! Give up your thirst to amass wealth, devote your mind to
thoughts to the Real. Be content with what comes through actions already
performed in the past.
yaavadvittopaarjana saktaH
staavannija parivaaro raktaH .
pashchaajjiivati jarjara dehe
vaartaaM ko.api na pRichchhati gehe .. (5)
So long as a man is fit and able to support his family, see the
affection all those around him show. But no one at home cares to even have
a word with him when his body totters due to old age.
baalastaavatkriiDaasaktaH
taruNastaavattaruNiisaktaH .
vRiddhastaavachchintaasaktaH
pare brahmaNi ko.api na saktaH .. (7)
The childhood is lost by attachment to playfulness. Youth is lost by
attachment to woman. Old age passes away by thinking over many past things.
But there is hardly anyone who wants to be lost in parabrahmam.
bhagavad.h giitaa kiJNchidadhiitaa
gaNgaa jalalava kaNikaapiitaa .
sakRidapi yena muraari samarchaa
kriyate tasya yamena na charchaa .. (20)
Let a man read but a little from Gitaa, drink just a drop of water from the
ganges, worship murari (govinda) just once. He then will have no
altercation with Yama. Stanza attributed to dR^iDhabhakta.
In essence, Bhartrhari invites us to embrace life in all its complexity,
to recognize the inherent beauty and mystery that permeates every moment.
To waste life, from his perspective, is not to fail in the eyes of society
but to miss the opportunity for profound self-discovery and spiritual
growth. It is to be consumed by the trivialities of existence, blinded to
the deeper truths that lie beyond the surface. Bhartrhari’ s reflection
serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the
importance of embracing its inherent impermanence. Far from being a
condemnation of wasted opportunities, his words invite us to reevaluate our
priorities and seek fulfilment in the intangible riches of the human
spirit. For ultimately, it is not in the external trappings of success but
in the depths of our own souls that the true essence of life is found.
AND CAN ANOTHER PERSON THINK SIMILARLY LATER FROM EUROPE? YES. Same
words. “I wasted time, and now doth time waste me” In his famous play
"Richard II," William Shakespeare once wrote the powerful line, "I wasted
time, and now doth time waste me." This thought-provoking quote serves as a
reminder of the profound consequences that can arise from squandering
precious moments in life. By summarizing the meaning of the quote in a
straightforward manner, we understand that it expresses regret and the
realization of the irreversible nature of time
Let us explore the concept of time through the lens of an ancient
philosophical theory known as eternalization first glance, Shakespeare's
quote seems to align with the concept of eternalise, which suggests that
past, present, and future all coexist simultaneously. According to this
theory, time is not linear, but rather a dimension of reality where all
moments exist simultaneously. From an eternalist perspective, wasting time
in the past would indeed have concrete consequences in the present and
future, as the choices made in the past can resonate and impact the whole
continuum of existence. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the
limited opportunity we have to make the most of our existence. The duality
of these philosophical concepts encourages us to delve deeper into our
perception of time, pushing us to question the nature of reality and our
place within it. No matter which philosophical lens we choose to view it
through, the underlying message of Shakespeare's quote remains universally
relevant.
We are always ahead but also respecting the bard. Arrow of time is
precious. K Rajaram IRS 19524//20524
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