The Happiness of the Summit

Spiritual awakening is a matter that has always drawn humanity to itself. In moments of profound despair, a pledge is born within the heart—if ever peace could be found there, then to share that peace with others would become life's purpose.

But here lies the difficulty—this experience cannot be fully expressed in language. No word, however precise, can entirely carry the true feeling of transformation from despair into joy. Thus, only through example and metaphor can the matter be understood.

Imagine a person born in a small village at the foot of a mountain. In childhood, the mountain commands little attention. Yet as years pass, the eyes return to it again and again. Then, at some point, a mysterious longing awakens within—"What lies above?"

With time, that longing grows fierce. In some it becomes so intense that they abandon everything and set out—the journey up the mountain begins. Then one hears it from the climbers ahead—the view from the summit is beyond belief, and it alone quenches all thirst, bringing perfect peace.

The climb meets with many obstacles. Sometimes terrible storms, sometimes clouds of discouragement. Yet still come the reassuring voices—"Reach the top and you will see: that is the presence of the divine, the ultimate dwelling." It is by this call that one presses forward.

But as the summit draws near, another voice is heard—"You may die. This is folly. There is nothing. Turn back." Many halt then; some turn away. Some live out their days in silent despair, while others dishearten those who follow.

But those who overcome fear and accept the risk—they alone push forward and reach the peak…