PROLONGED LIVING

This is a general response to the few who have written to me, wondering about my uncharacteristic , silence on the computer screen for a long time.

The simple answer is that as generally happens to many normal people PL (Prolonged  Living) is having its unsavory impacts on me: Fortunately, on my body, and not on my mind.

In brief, as a result of the wearing off of the lower vertebra and its related impact on the spinal cord, I have been experiencing excruciating pain in my thighs and calf muscles: a not uncommon phenomenon, I am told by my doctor, as if that is some consolation.

The metaphysical explanation to the effect that this is an inevitable karmic consequence of my past misdeeds (in this or in a prior life) may be theoretically satisfying, but practically useless, compared to Tylenol.

What makes the revelation of my extreme discomfort a report rather than a wailing or a complaint is my recognition that right now on our planet there are millions who suffer from many other pains that are, by any measure, far more severe and unbearable than what I am experiencing currently.

Why an omnipotent merciful God would allow such suffering to so many of His creatures is an intriguing theological question that I find pertinent, but futile to try to answer.

All I know is that life beyond the four-score and ten is often associated with physical and mental disadvantages of a variety of kinds. I am reminded of Jonathan Swift who said something to the effect that we all wish to live to be old, but not become old.

I philosophize on my predicaments because, as we all know, philosophizing involves suffering intelligently.

In any event, to keep my mind functioning, I will resume scribbling daily in SPURTS OF THOUGHT.

https://acharyavidyasagar.wordpress.com/

 You are welcome to browse through it, make a comment there or write to me when you wish.

Be well!

V. V. Raman

7 July 2021