We can reject Paradise. In this life. What kind of idiot does that?
Almost seven billion human beings and then some. But I hope I got the number wrong and it’s less (however, I’m afraid that not by much).
The simplest way to end all suffering is to die.
Well, one may put a definitive end to suffering that’s happening through one particular being in that way, but suffering as such will continue — people, and who knows who else, will still continue to reject Paradise and make their lives, and the lives of those around them, a living Hell.
Our real choice is, “This is life — Take it or leave it!” The wise man takes it, just as it is.
That’s an essential starting point. But if left just like that, it can easily lead to fatalism, and acceptance of things that can be changed. After all, humans are co-creators of the universe and cannot be absolved of that responsibility — all our actions and non-actions leave a permanent imprint on tao. However, to be able to make “informed” decisions as to when to go with the flow and when to buck the current, one has to have a “fixed point”. I have realized that knowing absolute reality (God, “return” to Paradise, etc.) provides such “fixed point”. It feels like I could even move the Earth if I wished so, but why would I do it? On the other hand, not perpetuating suffering makes perfect sense.
trying to name the eternal name, which is a nonstarter.
Yes, but eternal name can be at least hinted at and “arrived at” (thankfully). About beginning of heaven and earth, or where and when one becomes two, not only cannot be said anything, it can’t be pinpointed, it is just there and yet it seems as an illusion. But yes, it’s a nonessential concern.
The drive to nail down the particulars and declare our mastery over Nature for the scientists, or spirit for the religious, just looks like ego to me.
I guess, ego is trying to “declare our mastery”, while “The drive to nail down the particulars” is natural and stems from curiosity — God discovering themselves. That’s fun, clinging to it or try to usurp it, not so much.
