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Start for freeAlexander the Great's Pursuit of Immortality
Alexander the Great, a name synonymous with conquest and battle, embarked on a journey that was driven by more than just the desire to expand his empire. His quest led him towards India, not just for territorial expansion but in search of something far more elusive—immortality. This journey was fueled by tales of Indian yogis who were said to possess the knowledge of eternal life, a concept that fascinated Alexander as he faced the physical tolls of his continuous battles.
The Encounter with the Yogi
Upon reaching India, Alexander sent scouts to find a yogi renowned for his wisdom. They found him sitting serenely under a tree, embodying peace and detachment. When they tried to coerce him to meet Alexander by threatening his life, the yogi remained unflustered, teaching them their first lesson in true power—the power over death through detachment.
This interaction highlights a profound disparity between the two men; one conquered lands and sought physical immortality to avoid death, while the other conquered himself and found immortality in his unattachment.
The Lesson on Immortality
When Alexander finally met the yogi himself, he was instructed to dismount from his horse—a symbol of his ego—and listen humbly. The yogi then sent Alexander on a quest through dense jungles to find a mystical pool that promised eternal life. However, upon reaching this destination after several days, an encounter with an immortal crow at the pool’s edge made Alexander reconsider drinking from it. The crow’s plight as an eternal being without relief or death turned out to be more of a curse than a blessing.
This moment was pivotal; even Alexander, known for his relentless pursuit of glory at any cost, recognized the folly in evading death’s natural cycle. He realized that immortality might not be as desirable as it seems if it meant enduring endless existence without respite.
Reflections on Mortality and Living Fully
Sadhguru uses this historical anecdote to emphasize important life lessons about mortality and living fully. He points out that while many chase after life-extending elixirs or dream of immortal legacies through their deeds or offspring, true wisdom lies in embracing life’s impermanence.
Yoga is introduced not as a practice for extending one's lifespan indefinitely but as a means to live sensibly and fully within the time one has. It teaches acceptance of life’s ultimate transition—death—as something natural and necessary.
Conclusion:
Alexander's expedition towards immortality teaches us about our own perspectives on life and death. It challenges us to consider what it truly means to live wisely versus merely existing perpetually. Through this narrative shared by Sadhguru, we are invited to reflect on our own lives—are we seeking to conquer death like Alexander or are we learning from the yogi’s mastery over self?
In conclusion, embracing our mortality can lead us towards living more meaningful lives filled with purpose rather than fear-driven attempts to escape death’s inevitability.
Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5aQ1-Ch91E
