Somewhere I heard the following lines:

“A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it.” - Dogen

Love that post but am a bit disturbed by the word “existence”. To me you are talking about life and if existence is the continuance in living, it does not entail any quality of life, but mere survival. You are talking about the beauty and cohesion of life. You should probably talk about the beauty and cohesion of nature. I think a large part of humankind is happy to remain so called “ordinary” although nothing is life is ordinary as you point out.

It is because of the very essence of life and the principle of survival of the fittest that we are in the present world situation. Yes man is greedy but if we accept all beings as part of life, then that’s the way it is. Just like the wolf eats the deer, the shark eats the smaller fish, man wants to rule and the greediest elements of society seem to be stronger, cunningly or otherwise. It is in nature to want to obtain status and greatness, look at the lives of lions, of wolves, of any species that has a societal system. Animals are also cruel with each other, rejecting the maimed and sick. The biggest difference I see is with the means available to them. It is true life is unfair to the poor and hungry, and not everybody starts out equals, but who said life was fair?

I agree with you that greatness and recognition are empty values when compared to others but what about the greatness of an athlete or of an artist and the joy they bring to their fellow human beings? What about the famous person who becomes a philanthropist and in this way helps the world?

I don’t see the desire to remain “ordinary” as courageous. Sometimes, there is no desire to push yourself. Sometimes, you are just happy with your life the way it is or are not interested in furnishing any additional effort. Finally, I totally agree with your statement regarding the value of the laborer versus the scientist if both are doing their best in their field. But you said it when you talk about respect for might or labor, no matter what. It is well deserved. Unfortunately, it is not the ordinary man, but the lazy man, who takes advantage of the very system put in place to help the less fortunate. If it is true that each and everyone of us has a place, just like the ant, the elephant and the tree, in this existence, we have to accept that the shallow and greedy one has a place too, not that I agree with their values or their pursuits.

Love this site!

Destination Infinity.

‘As it is’ we are ok and beautiful. ‘Strive for and prove Greatness syndrome’ may manytime grind our life and tend to take us on a superimposed plane.

I love that line. <3

I don’t really mind the “striving for greatness” part of our living. I think it becomes bad when people start comparing themselves to others. I personally believe that I should only be competing with one person: myself. And even that has conditions like knowing my personal limitations.

I think there are people out there who are scared of being nobodies; as if being a nobody is being a failure. To be a nobody takes as much courage as trying to be a somebody.

Another thing that bothers me is that people really do forget that there is greatness and wonder in even the most ordinary and mundane things.

sulochanosho adds:
Dear AFriend, thanks for your presence and view.
May be!