Page 24 - NAMAH-Jan-2025

Namah Vol. 32, Issue 4, 15th January 2025

That bend down to their green companion tree shed leaves in the Autumn and stands

And fruitful mother, vaguely whispering, silent as if all its energies were being drawn
— these within so too in old-age, one should lead a life
And a wide silent sea. Such hour is nearest God, — of inner detachment and instead of involving
Rich like old age when the long ways have all with the life of senses, one should lead a life
been trod (2).” concentrated upon the highest goal.

The quality of life as we age depends quite Towards the Future
a bit upon the quality of life we have led.

Rhythm and Season

Ancient Indian spiritual thought described
four stages of life each with its own rhythm
and dharma. The lifespan of 100 years can
be divided into four stages of 25 years, each It is common to see an elderly group
as childhood and adolescence, adulthood, together reliving their childhood days with
middle age and old age. The first phase is old friends, associates or family members.
for the development of capacities, learning to These memories and associations provide
focus and laying the foundations of dharma as temporary feeling of security and comfort
the basis of life. The next phase is for labour and by sharing their issues, largely common
toil in the world. The third phase is a seeking for in similar communities. Often, they are
the deeper purpose and meaning of life. The seen complaining about how the modern
fourth and final phase is a concentrated seeking generation is losing their way. If we look
for true freedom and higher knowledge. into the archives of history, the refrain
was very much the same 5,000 years ago.
These can be seen as four seasons of life, that This is however an error of understanding
symbolically reveal the dance of life. The first things. Instead of judging or condemning, it
is blossoming and the creative surge, the is better to engage them, try to understand
second is the Summer of labour and toil. The their viewpoint, exchange with them your
third is purifying rains that wash away dirt own understanding, knowing that all mental
and dust and sweat and tears accumulated knowledge is relative and, if they ask for
as we struggle through life. The fourth is a it guide them. Advice unasked for creates
gradual withdrawing into the Highest, to unwanted reactions. We need to understand
either return as a conscious being or else that each generation has its own challenges
dissolve into the Supreme Reality. Just as a and must find its own solutions. That is how

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