I am a teenager just stepping out into the world. The Upanishads, in the words of Death, say, “There is the path of joy, and there is the path of pleasure. Both attract the soul” (Page 7. Dialogue with Death). The almost limitless lure of ‘moh – maya’ in the form of material possessions tempt me and lead me to the path of pleasure. I do want to experience all that life has to offer because it is one way to know the world. By doing so, I will also be better educated and experienced to be able to distinguish between right and wrong. I am also aware that finally I should keep in control my giving into worldly attractions as I know these are fleeting and frivolous.

The Upanishads tell us, “There is the path of wisdom and the path of ignorance. They are far apart and lead to different ends” (Page 7. Dialogue with Death).  I think I am wise enough to know that in the end, it is not the worldly material pleasures which will sustain me through the tribulations of life. Rather, it is the joy of give and take, helping others, building meaningful relationships and passing on my education and experiences to others which will give me inner peace and satisfaction, and that is the real joy of life.