Life is characterized by a linear journey marked by birth and death. It is also a cyclical process where essence continues past individual existence. While individuals can’t revisit the past, reflecting on it evokes nostalgia. Choices, balancing material pursuits with spiritual asceticism to achieve fulfillment shape human experience. The Bollywood industry exemplifies contemporary societal issues. Glamour masks deeper problems like drug addiction and nepotism. Newcomers feel marginalised. Despite challenges, fostering healthy competition and addressing mental health concerns are crucial for personal and societal growth. A harmonious society requires acknowledging both light and darkness, striving for balance in our collective journey.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Life is a linear journey marked by birth and death, yet it is also a cyclical process involving rebirth and continuity.
- Human experiences involve balancing material pursuits with spiritual values for fulfillment.
- The Bollywood industry illustrates societal issues like nepotism and mental health struggles among newcomers.
- A harmonious society requires recognizing both good and bad, striving for balance in values and actions.
- Reflecting on the past evokes nostalgia, which contributes to understanding life’s journey and choices.
Introduction
Life is cyclical but linear. Apparently an oxymoron, but both are facts. The life of an individual moves in a linear direction. It can’t be rewound. The past can simply not be relived. The journey is unidirectional, which culminates in its endpoint. Organisms from small to large upto human beings, have a life span. They take birth, grow, reproduce their progenies and perish. Yet, life continues cyclically. An organism mingles with the five basic elements of nature after it leaves the mortal world. It physically doesn’t come back, but they are born from the protoplasm of their parents.
Photograph by Author
Philosophy of life
A significant amount of philosophical and literary work has been done. Philosophers tried their best to decipher the intricacies of life and death. They explained it in a myriad of ways. For some, there is no life after death, while others imagine rebirth.
(1) The riddle
For an inquisitive mind, the riddle is a mix of mystery and curiosity. Questions frequent mind when a person sits in a cosy and serene nook. The brain floods with thoughts of diverse nature tries to wade a way out. The past emerges on the vast mental screen in a series of related pictures like a movie.
(2) Human life
For the purpose of this discourse, human life has been chosen for two reasons. First and foremost is that, everyone of us are humans. Second, emotions and feeling relates to humans. Their joy, sorrow or sufferings can be empathised. Humans have a large cranial capacity and a highly developed brain. It gives them the power of reasoning, the ability of cohesive speech and enhanced cognitive power.
Romantic nostalgia
Our life journey begins at birth and is destined to end with death. Reflecting on the past is like visiting an unfrequented, seemingly haunted place where people avoid visiting. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, people often skip revisiting their past. It results in accumulated dust and desolation. It is like years of neglect to a vacant house that causes irregular growth of weeds and vegetation. The rustling of the leaves adds an air of suspense. The dead leaves represent the past. Redundant fallen leaves decay and become part of the soil. Yet, beyond the less-than-ideal aspects, there is a charming aspect of the past, too. Revisiting it often evokes a sense of romantic nostalgia. (Britannica)
Cyclical Process of Life
Like all other life forms, human life follows a linear path but a cyclical process. It is the cycle of life and death. Scientifically, an organism dies and decomposes into inanimate things after completing its life.
(1) Cytoplasm is eternal
Cytoplasm continues to exist. It is eternal and transferred to the offspring through the parents. This transfer creates a bond for future generations. Life continues as newborns take the place of old ones. The holy Gita describes it as the soul. Soul is eternal, immortal, and non-destructible.
(2) Individual life is a linear journey
Individual life is a linear journey. It has a span. While on a soujourn, people interact, exchange pleasantries, and converse while travelling together. They alight at their destination, but the journey continues. The co-passenger who alights occasionally reflects.
Photo by Author
Choosing the way of Life
Birth and death are beyond control. The span of life allows to make choices. Choice of sensual pleasures or an ascetic life is personal. While the former stands for an easy and comfortable lifestyle, the ascetic path is more demanding. People rightly prefer a balanced combination of both. It takes sincere effort and consistent work to achieve the desired way of life. The actions decide the future. Instead of relying on prediction, right and diligent efforts are necessary. Predictions are mostly deceptive.
(1) Healthy competition
The pursuit of more material wealth often drives people to chase material wealth and possessions. Material wealth is fleeting. It is essential, yet fails to give mental peace. Excessive accumulation of wealth causes cupidity and fear. It ultimately lands in desperation. The craving for status, power, and wealth intensifies competition. It develops an egotistical “always the winner” syndrome. Nevertheless, healthy competitions are good for overall personal development.
(2) Tackling difficult situations
Difficult situations or conditions need meticulous tackling. A courageous person handles the situation well and comes out victorious. Contrarily, emotionally weak individuals find it difficult. Feeling trapped with no solution in sight, they try to adopt an unlawful path detrimental to them and society. The increasing number of individuals struggling with mental health issues, particularly among teenagers, is cause for serious concern. It is affecting the well-being of creative young minds. The Indian film industry, particularly Bollywood, warrants a special mention to illustrate this point.
Glamour and Gloom
The Indian Hindi film industry, popularly known as the Bollywood industry, is known for its glamour, wealth, and public attention. The industry is seen embroiled in controversy. Plagued by the nexus of power, money, drugs, and debauchery, its glorious past is waning fast. Reports often hit headlines about the discontentment of newcomers.
(1) Bollywood
Bollywood has long been a powerful magnet. It attracts thousands of aspiring artists from across the country and even from foreign soil. Enticed by the glitz and glamour, young people of all genders are drawn to Bollywood. Disturbing reports of the insidious deep penetration of drug addiction have seriously damaged the reputation. Industry insiders have also raised their voices against widespread drug use, which is transforming the industry into a repugnant environment.
(2) Newcomers feel deceived
Reports underscore the fact that newcomers feel deceived, suffocated and boxed in. The hegemony of a few seemingly deprives the new entrants of a fair chance to showcase their talent. Furthermore, nepotism also made headlines and public debate.
(3) Obeying Social norms
The industry needs to adhere to strict social norms, avoiding vices. While personal choices should be respected, public figures need to set an example. Society inherently has a way to cleanse itself. It shuns any unlawful activities.
Photograph by Author
Harmonious Society
In this fast-paced and information-driven 21st century, advancements in information technology have revolutionized the way information is acquired and disseminated. Events unfold rapidly and reach the minds of the majority, influencing them. It is crucial to uphold the purity and sanctity of institutions, celebrities, and the public. While absolute purity seems unattainable, we need a combination of good and evil. Darkness and brightness, kindness and wickedness are necessary for a balanced and harmonious society. A society with minimal ailments would be an ideal ‘Ram Rajya’.
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
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