What is the Meaning of Life

A young man in search of enlightenment had traveled to Tibet at great expense and more than a little consternation amongst his family and friends. It was a week before he was allowed to speak with a red-capped administrator of the Dalai Lama's personal staff; in the meantime he enjoyed the wondrous sights of the Himalayas. The people of the countryside had welcomed him and he was learning their language slowly. They had made it clear no one got to talk to the Dalai Lama and ask a personal question unless they had waited a long time and shown proper respect and intent. His feeling was that a university graduate of philosophy with his Master's and a teaching certificate should be allowed some consideration. As he discussed the matter with the administrator he saw it didn't seem to be a positive factor that he had studied Kant and Nietzsche or the convoluted Hegelian politics of Fukayama. The administrator went on about clarity of purpose and concentration or convergence with the harmonizing forces. It was made abundantly clear that the great man was kind and generous with his love and time; but that he was a man with many people to care for and guide towards their spiritual purpose. He told the red-capped Lama that he would pay any amount of money (within reason) or work for the temple for a year. Nonetheless the conclusion reached was that he would have to contemplate his one question for five years! "I don't know if I can afford to waste that much time!" "We are our own masters and I hope you appreciate the passing of life; no matter what your choice will be, my son." The administrator spoke softly as he rose from the lotus position and re-arranged his red-orange garments. The young man sensed a real wisdom in the man and his response. He was impressed. Then he recalled a professor who had always seemed wise to him while he had taken his courses at university. He had a similar reaction to this man and knew it was more that he did not wish to argue about the length of time, and that the length of time had little to do with the shortages of the Dalai Lama