I find myself, as often I do at this time of year, on the island of Corfu, in Greece. I spent a few days walking, backpack and all, through the hilly terrain, sleeping out in the idyllic olive groves. The climate is hot, though, and I have succumbed to the convenience of a moped.
The moped has a noisy engine, which whines away mercilessly, especially as the long suffering machine carries me up the steep roads hereabouts. When it comes to descent though, I simply turn off the ignition and coast silently down, enjoying the tranquility and the cool breeze as the wheels spin effortlessly beneath me.
It strikes me that this little moped is an apt analogy for the two modes of being that we humans can experience. One way is the uphill way – a noisy, restless struggle, knowing no peace, driven by the merciless ego. The other way is the enlightened way – an effortless ride, full of tranquility and joy, freewheeling through life.
Namaste.
