If you could -- just for a millisecond -- notice the simple fact of consciousness (or rather, if consciousness were to notice itself -- because what, other than consciousness, notices?) without your mind subtly spewing out answers (and questions) about what it is (just an illusion!), where it comes from (just neurotransmitters!), whether or not it's anything special or remarkable (not particularly!), etc., you would be brought to your knees in a profound humility, reverence, awe, and gratitude that you could never have imagined possible.
Before wondering "why am I here?" or "what is the meaning of life?," perhaps spend more time looking (nonconceptually) into exactly what you mean by "I am here" or "I am alive." I guarantee you will be surprised and delighted -- and with enough luck (or really, enough sincerity, precision, simplicity, and directness), it will unequivocally resolve (if not exactly "answer") your first question.
So close you cannot see it
So deep you cannot fathom it
So simple you cannot believe it
So good you cannot accept it
-- Kalu Rinpoche
Before wondering "why am I here?" or "what is the meaning of life?," perhaps spend more time looking (nonconceptually) into exactly what you mean by "I am here" or "I am alive." I guarantee you will be surprised and delighted -- and with enough luck (or really, enough sincerity, precision, simplicity, and directness), it will unequivocally resolve (if not exactly "answer") your first question.
So close you cannot see it
So deep you cannot fathom it
So simple you cannot believe it
So good you cannot accept it
-- Kalu Rinpoche
