As young people, we are both the recipients and donors of great amounts of time and energy in the pursuit of success, or the mastery of our lives. Being able to master our lives means using the abilities gained from our education and experiences in a manner that produces continuous and significant outcomes. However, is mastering life the same thing as living it? Or, to put it simply, is it true that we lose important memories and experiences by building our lives around achieving our goals?
Goals and structure are the lifeblood of progress and growth. So as individuals standing at the edge of an enormous period of growth, building a productive and organised life is important in securing a bright future. On the other hand, it is always easy for us to forget that maintaining structure is not just about being goal-oriented, it means that we have the ability to recognise each aspect of our lives and devote an appropriate amount of time to it. Sadhguru, a yogic master and spiritual supporter once said, “There is no such thing as work-life balance – it is all life. The balance has to be within you.”
Recently I discovered some thought-provoking information about the ancient Cambodian city of Angkor Wat. Today, you may be able to visit a few temples in this city and explore the ruins of its ancient structures. However, nearly nine centuries ago, it was a bustling city with a population of between 700,000 to 900,000. This is nearly the same size as the entire population of Guyana! The reason behind its success, unfortunately, would also be one the reasons behind its downfall.
A crucial part of Angkor Wat’s thriving population was its finely balanced water system. The city was filled with a maze of several interconnecting canals, trenches and ponds that not only provided fresh water for its inhabitants, but also served as a means of transporting people and goods. The city’s very economy depended on the proper functioning of this water system. The problem in this situation was the fact that the system was so finely balanced that if there were any small changes in the environment or any blockages and obstacles due to poor maintenance, the entire city would be affected. As all things do, the city eventually experienced several changes and conflicts that tipped the fine balance of the water system.
This, amongst other factors, caused the break-down of Angkor Wat, and its population gradually migrated until the city was nothing more than a series of abandoned buildings that would become ruins for us to see and learn from.
The downfall of Angkor Wat teaches us that balance is the difference between success and failure. It also teaches us that balance is something that we must maintain permanently regardless of what situation we are facing.
It is alright to take a few calls or to put aside some time to study while you are on vacation. Similarly, it is also important for you to take breaks and enjoy some free time while you are working or studying. Mastering life does not just mean that you are successful, well-educated or happy. It also means that you live a life of stability – a life that has been built to survive anything.
