Chapter 11 We are all called to a mission!
Chapter 11 We are all called to a mission!
第十一章 我們都受到使命的召喚
第十一章 我們都受到使命的召喚
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中文有聲書
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11. We are all called to a mission!
11. We are all called to a mission!
As a child, I remember the fog. That ghostly covering lingered everywhere: on the cars, on the houses and even on the people -- at least it seemed. My consciousness is filled with countless images: this, however, is the most indelible. The suspended moisture created a pregnant silence: all could be serene, all could be at peace. Is it true -- is it possible? As you walked, it felt as if something or someone was being produced right before your eyes, if you could only grasp it. Some semblance stood interspersed in the haze. It was there but so, so difficult to clearly identify.
As a child, I remember the fog. That ghostly covering lingered everywhere: on the cars, on the houses and even on the people -- at least it seemed. My consciousness is filled with countless images: this, however, is the most indelible. The suspended moisture created a pregnant silence: all could be serene, all could be at peace. Is it true -- is it possible? As you walked, it felt as if something or someone was being produced right before your eyes, if you could only grasp it. Some semblance stood interspersed in the haze. It was there but so, so difficult to clearly identify.
This is much like life, is it not? When we are young, reality is confusing and difficult to understand. We finally come to a point where we are able to make out the outlines of a gravel path leading somewhere – to where we are not sure. We thus tentatively begin. The mist, however, obscures our view. The trail and surrounding region are shrouded in an opacity that makes continuing difficult: but trundle on we must – step following step, kilometer “giving way” to new kilometer. The legs grow weary and the feet hurt from “smiting the ground.”1 Just when we are ready to give up, we hear the lapping of the waves and then see the outline of a body of water. As we approach the shore, the immenseness of the sea is understood. We stand in awe. To the right is a small boat. In the vessel is a paddle. You seat yourself and begin to row – to where, you are not quite sure. Welcome to the adventure of you: this is your personally tailored quest -- sewn by whom? Only the cosmos knows the answer.
This is much like life, is it not? When we are young, reality is confusing and difficult to understand. We finally come to a point where we are able to make out the outlines of a gravel path leading somewhere – to where we are not sure. We thus tentatively begin. The mist, however, obscures our view. The trail and surrounding region are shrouded in an opacity that makes continuing difficult: but trundle on we must – step following step, kilometer “giving way” to new kilometer. The legs grow weary and the feet hurt from “smiting the ground.”1 Just when we are ready to give up, we hear the lapping of the waves and then see the outline of a body of water. As we approach the shore, the immenseness of the sea is understood. We stand in awe. To the right is a small boat. In the vessel is a paddle. You seat yourself and begin to row – to where, you are not quite sure. Welcome to the adventure of you: this is your personally tailored quest -- sewn by whom? Only the cosmos knows the answer.
The question that always seems the most intriguing is, “What if you decide not to begin?” Why does everyone have to view life as an adventure? Why can’t I just exist for 70 or 80 years and then die. The simple answer is that we naturally possess four traits as human beings: we are naturally happy, we exist in a state of peace, we are intrinsically loving beings and finally (most importantly for the purposes of this piece) we are seekers. We are simply not “hardwired” to exist and then die. Animals, insects and rocks can do this: we can’t. Our life pursuit need not take on a physical component: money, power and rock and roll. But at the very least, there is a spiritual side that all of us must identify with: failure to do so and we are totally amoral,2 existing outside the corpus of humanity.
The question that always seems the most intriguing is, “What if you decide not to begin?” Why does everyone have to view life as an adventure? Why can’t I just exist for 70 or 80 years and then die. The simple answer is that we naturally possess four traits as human beings: we are naturally happy, we exist in a state of peace, we are intrinsically loving beings and finally (most importantly for the purposes of this piece) we are seekers. We are simply not “hardwired” to exist and then die. Animals, insects and rocks can do this: we can’t. Our life pursuit need not take on a physical component: money, power and rock and roll. But at the very least, there is a spiritual side that all of us must identify with: failure to do so and we are totally amoral,2 existing outside the corpus of humanity.
In class, I often hear when a student is asked for their life goals, “I just want to be happy.” This is a tragic and nonsensical response. You will not be happy if your economic condition disintegrates or if your personal and spiritual life is meaningless. The American Dream ideal, rather sadly in my estimation, has drawn a distinction between effort (toil) and recreation (happiness). This is not life. The only solution to a well-lived life is work. If you aspire to do what you love, calling it whatever name you choose, you will feel fulfilled and your life will have its requisite meaning. Failure to do so will produce nothing but dire consequences. The Daily Mail tells us: “So, do we all want to live to be 100? I certainly do: But only if I can hang on to my mental and physical health. I recognize to achieve that, we must be prepared to put in some effort, find the discipline to eat properly, exercise enough and keep on learning new things to keep our minds active. We also need to be prepared to reach out to new friends as we lose the old ones. Is it worth the effort? … Many centenarians are not only enjoying their long lives, but their families and friends rightly treasure them as a valuable resource.”3
In class, I often hear when a student is asked for their life goals, “I just want to be happy.” This is a tragic and nonsensical response. You will not be happy if your economic condition disintegrates or if your personal and spiritual life is meaningless. The American Dream ideal, rather sadly in my estimation, has drawn a distinction between effort (toil) and recreation (happiness). This is not life. The only solution to a well-lived life is work. If you aspire to do what you love, calling it whatever name you choose, you will feel fulfilled and your life will have its requisite meaning. Failure to do so will produce nothing but dire consequences. The Daily Mail tells us: “So, do we all want to live to be 100? I certainly do: But only if I can hang on to my mental and physical health. I recognize to achieve that, we must be prepared to put in some effort, find the discipline to eat properly, exercise enough and keep on learning new things to keep our minds active. We also need to be prepared to reach out to new friends as we lose the old ones. Is it worth the effort? … Many centenarians are not only enjoying their long lives, but their families and friends rightly treasure them as a valuable resource.”3
The great conundrum faced by all is that we are not given a life agent, someone to meticulously manage our career, our future. You must do this yourself. Conversely, no one can control the response of the crowds nor manage the results. You are on your own to have your own intimate and private conversation with your God in the “wee hours” of the night or morning, depending on the gravity of your problem. I personally believe in the power of prayer and meditation to find solutions. You alone can open that special door through which flows all answers and understanding.
The great conundrum faced by all is that we are not given a life agent, someone to meticulously manage our career, our future. You must do this yourself. Conversely, no one can control the response of the crowds nor manage the results. You are on your own to have your own intimate and private conversation with your God in the “wee hours” of the night or morning, depending on the gravity of your problem. I personally believe in the power of prayer and meditation to find solutions. You alone can open that special door through which flows all answers and understanding.
11. 我們都受到使命的召喚
11. 我們都受到使命的召喚
我記得小時候起霧的畫面，那幽靈般的白霧在四處盤旋，籠罩著汽車、房屋甚至是人們，至少當時看起來是如此。我的意識中浮現無數的影像，然而其中有一個是最令人無法忘懷的：懸浮在空中的水氣創造出意味深長的寧靜，一切變得沈靜與安詳。這是真實的嗎？有這種可能嗎？當你行走時，感覺好像在你眼前有東西或人的影像，似乎伸手就可以抓住。一些相似的影像就散佈在迷霧之中。明明就在那兒，但是卻很難看清楚是什麼東西。
我記得小時候起霧的畫面，那幽靈般的白霧在四處盤旋，籠罩著汽車、房屋甚至是人們，至少當時看起來是如此。我的意識中浮現無數的影像，然而其中有一個是最令人無法忘懷的：懸浮在空中的水氣創造出意味深長的寧靜，一切變得沈靜與安詳。這是真實的嗎？有這種可能嗎？當你行走時，感覺好像在你眼前有東西或人的影像，似乎伸手就可以抓住。一些相似的影像就散佈在迷霧之中。明明就在那兒，但是卻很難看清楚是什麼東西。
這就跟人生很像，不是嗎？當我們年輕時，現實生活是令人困惑難解的。等我們最終到了人生的某個階段時，開始能隱約看到一條通向某處的石頭路，但通向何處我們並不確定。我們帶著不確定的心情踏上人生的旅程。然而，迷霧遮蔽了我們的視線。那條路和周邊地區籠罩在迷霧中，使得繼續往前變得有點困難。但我們仍然必須前進，一步接著一步，一公里接著一公里。雙腿疲憊不堪，雙腳因「重擊地面」1而感到疼痛。 當我們差不多準備放棄時，我們聽到海浪輕輕拍打岸邊的聲音，然後看見了大海的輪廓。當我們走進岸邊時，我們了解到大海一望無際。我們內心充滿敬畏並佇立在那裡。右手邊有一艘小船，船上有一支短槳。你坐好後，便開始划起槳來。去哪裡？你並不是那麼確定。歡迎你展開自我追尋的冒險，這是為你個人特別量身訂做的探索之旅。是誰為你量身打造的呢？答案恐怕只有老天爺才知曉了。
這就跟人生很像，不是嗎？當我們年輕時，現實生活是令人困惑難解的。等我們最終到了人生的某個階段時，開始能隱約看到一條通向某處的石頭路，但通向何處我們並不確定。我們帶著不確定的心情踏上人生的旅程。然而，迷霧遮蔽了我們的視線。那條路和周邊地區籠罩在迷霧中，使得繼續往前變得有點困難。但我們仍然必須前進，一步接著一步，一公里接著一公里。雙腿疲憊不堪，雙腳因「重擊地面」1而感到疼痛。 當我們差不多準備放棄時，我們聽到海浪輕輕拍打岸邊的聲音，然後看見了大海的輪廓。當我們走進岸邊時，我們了解到大海一望無際。我們內心充滿敬畏並佇立在那裡。右手邊有一艘小船，船上有一支短槳。你坐好後，便開始划起槳來。去哪裡？你並不是那麼確定。歡迎你展開自我追尋的冒險，這是為你個人特別量身訂做的探索之旅。是誰為你量身打造的呢？答案恐怕只有老天爺才知曉了。
這個問題似乎總能引人深思：「若是你決定不展開這趟探詢自我的旅程呢？」為什麼每個人都必須將人生看作是場冒險之旅呢？為什麼我不能活個七、八十年後，然後告別世間呢？簡單的答案是人類與生俱來就擁有四個特點：我們天生是快樂的、內心的狀態是平靜的、本質上是充滿愛心的，最後（這個特點本篇文章最重要），我們是追尋者。人類「先天的本性」不是只有生存與死亡。動物、昆蟲和岩石可以這樣，但我們不能如此過一生。人生追求的不一定是要物質的，例如：金錢、權力和搖滾樂。但我們所有人至少都必須認同人生還有精神的層面，做不到這點的話，我們就完全沒有道德觀念2，不再是人類的一份子。
這個問題似乎總能引人深思：「若是你決定不展開這趟探詢自我的旅程呢？」為什麼每個人都必須將人生看作是場冒險之旅呢？為什麼我不能活個七、八十年後，然後告別世間呢？簡單的答案是人類與生俱來就擁有四個特點：我們天生是快樂的、內心的狀態是平靜的、本質上是充滿愛心的，最後（這個特點本篇文章最重要），我們是追尋者。人類「先天的本性」不是只有生存與死亡。動物、昆蟲和岩石可以這樣，但我們不能如此過一生。人生追求的不一定是要物質的，例如：金錢、權力和搖滾樂。但我們所有人至少都必須認同人生還有精神的層面，做不到這點的話，我們就完全沒有道德觀念2，不再是人類的一份子。
在課堂中，學生被問到他們的人生目標時，我經常聽到的回答是：「我只想要快樂。」這是一個悲哀而且愚蠢的回答。如果你的經濟基礎瓦解或者你的個人精神生活毫無意義，那你是不可能感到快樂的。我認為悲哀的是，美國夢的理想將努力（辛苦）和休閒（幸福）兩者之間畫出一條明顯的界線。但這不是真實的人生。要過上一個充實的人生，唯一可行的方案就是工作。如果你渴望做自己喜歡的事，無論你選擇什麼，管它是什麼名稱，你都會為此感到滿足，這樣你的人生就會有不可或缺的意義。若不這麼做，恐怕只會產生可怕的後果。《每日郵報》有一段話說：「我們每個人都想活到100歲嗎？我當然想，但是前提是我還能維持心理和身體的健康。我體認到要實現這一目標，我們必須先努力、有紀律地維持健康的飲食、做足夠的運動，並繼續學習新事物以保持我們心靈和腦部的靈活。在我們失去老朋友的同時，我們也需要準備好接納新朋友。這些值得我們努力嗎？……現在有很多百歲人瑞不僅長壽，他們的家人和朋友也非常珍惜他們，將他們視若珍寶。」3
在課堂中，學生被問到他們的人生目標時，我經常聽到的回答是：「我只想要快樂。」這是一個悲哀而且愚蠢的回答。如果你的經濟基礎瓦解或者你的個人精神生活毫無意義，那你是不可能感到快樂的。我認為悲哀的是，美國夢的理想將努力（辛苦）和休閒（幸福）兩者之間畫出一條明顯的界線。但這不是真實的人生。要過上一個充實的人生，唯一可行的方案就是工作。如果你渴望做自己喜歡的事，無論你選擇什麼，管它是什麼名稱，你都會為此感到滿足，這樣你的人生就會有不可或缺的意義。若不這麼做，恐怕只會產生可怕的後果。《每日郵報》有一段話說：「我們每個人都想活到100歲嗎？我當然想，但是前提是我還能維持心理和身體的健康。我體認到要實現這一目標，我們必須先努力、有紀律地維持健康的飲食、做足夠的運動，並繼續學習新事物以保持我們心靈和腦部的靈活。在我們失去老朋友的同時，我們也需要準備好接納新朋友。這些值得我們努力嗎？……現在有很多百歲人瑞不僅長壽，他們的家人和朋友也非常珍惜他們，將他們視若珍寶。」3
我們所有人面臨到的難題是，我們的人生沒有經理人，沒有人能夠細心地為我們管理事業和未來。你必須靠自己來完成這些事。反過來說，也沒有人可以控制他人的行為以及掌控事情的結果。端看問題的嚴重度，你有時得獨自一人在午夜時分或清晨的時候，與內心進行私密的對話。我個人深切相信禱告和冥想的力量，透過禱告和冥想能夠幫助你找到解決的辦法。唯有你自己才能夠打開那扇獨特的門，讓所有的解答和領悟傾瀉流出。
我們所有人面臨到的難題是，我們的人生沒有經理人，沒有人能夠細心地為我們管理事業和未來。你必須靠自己來完成這些事。反過來說，也沒有人可以控制他人的行為以及掌控事情的結果。端看問題的嚴重度，你有時得獨自一人在午夜時分或清晨的時候，與內心進行私密的對話。我個人深切相信禱告和冥想的力量，透過禱告和冥想能夠幫助你找到解決的辦法。唯有你自己才能夠打開那扇獨特的門，讓所有的解答和領悟傾瀉流出。
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