what is the meaning of life?
2007-02-18 04:53:23 · 14 answers · asked by simon e 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Provided he makes and wins an argument about Buddhism with those who live there, any wandering monk can remain in a Zen temple. If he is defeated, he has to move on.
In a temple in the northern part of Japan two brother monks were dwelling together. The elder one was learned, but the younger one was stupid and had but one eye.
A wandering monk came and asked for lodging, properly challenging them to a debate about the sublime teaching. The elder brother, tired that day from much studying, told the younger one to take his place. "Go and request the dialogue in silence," he cautioned.
So the young monk and the stranger went to the shrine and sat down.
Shortly afterwards the traveler rose and went in to the elder brother and said: "Your young brother is a wonderful fellow. He defeated me."
"Relate the dialogue to me," said the elder one.
"Well," explained the traveler, "first I held up one finger, representing Buddha, the enlightened one. So he held up two fingers, signifying Buddha and his teaching. I held up three fingers, representing Buddha, his teaching, and his followers, living the harmonious life. Then he shook his clenched fist in my face, indicating that all three come from one realization. Thus he won and so I have no right to remain here." With this, the traveler left.
"Where is that fellow?" asked the younger one, running in to his elder brother.
"I understand you won the debate."
"Won nothing. I'm going to beat him up."
"Tell me the subject of the debate," asked the elder one.
"Why, the minute he saw me he held up one finger, insulting me by insinuating that I have only one eye. Since he was a stranger I thought I would be polite to him, so I held up two fingers, congratulating him that he has two eyes. Then the impolite wretch held up three fingers, suggesting that between us we only have three eyes. So I got mad and started to punch him, but he ran out and that ended it!"
2007-02-18 04:58:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A question like that is intentionally obtuse, but to answer as best as I can... life is what you make it. If each person has a purpose, then the meaning of someone's life is, if nothing else, enigmatic.
But, should someone's passion find them doing something they love doing: writing novels, poetry or music... acting, law, cullinary... the meaning of their life is quite clear to them, would you not say? The meaning of each person's life is for them to find... I guess that's why maybe Sloth is a sin. If you can't find the reason you exist at least on some small level, then that would mean you never bothered to try to find out why you're here. I don't know if I explained it the way I meant to but, there you go.....
2007-02-18 13:04:08 · answer #2 · answered by bloodline_down 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is Life? is a non-fiction book on science for the lay reader written by physicist Erwin Schrödinger (ISBN 0521427088). Francis Crick cited What is Life? as the best theoretical description, before the actual discovery of DNA, of how genetic storage would work. In the book, Schrödinger introduced the idea of an "aperiodic crystal" that contained genetic information in its configuration of covalent chemical bonds. This idea both stimulated enthusiasm for discovering the genetic molecule and could be seen (in retrospect) as having been a well-reasoned theoretical prediction of what biologists should have been looking for during their search for the genetic material.
did u need a simple answer. if so...
Simply, Life means those living. Those who live, eat , drink, excreate.....
2007-02-18 13:11:59 · answer #3 · answered by Mmmmm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have been sent out in this world in form of Human Life. Your job is live the Life with your best efforts and to give it the best shot. Living in presence is life.
2007-02-18 16:05:39 · answer #4 · answered by VJ_2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To sit and answer this question 27 times a day on Yahoo answers.
There is no meaning whatsoever.
2007-02-18 13:15:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
exactly. you've got to stop looking for the quick fix.. the one-line answer. Biologically, your purpose is to replicate your genetic material. Otherwise, it's whatever you want it to be. No one else can answer that question for you.. if you buy into someone else's answer, you may become their slave. It's all about what YOU think about life and what you want to do with this opportunity.
2007-02-18 13:04:11 · answer #6 · answered by Matt 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
here's a more important question
if you had a meaning what would that change??
2007-02-18 13:36:07 · answer #7 · answered by i hate mosquitoes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Life is a choice - you choose what to make of it.
2007-02-18 12:58:00 · answer #8 · answered by curiousgeorge 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the person as it means different things to different people
2007-02-18 13:29:11 · answer #9 · answered by summer shadow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heres a good one:
It isnt do,be,do,be,do
Its be,do,be,do,be.
Get it, if you strive to do stuff, doesnt necessarily cause you to be.
Just BE and you are DOing what we are meant to do. Simplify.
2007-02-18 13:13:00 · answer #10 · answered by dove2surf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋