They enter into blind darkness
who worship Avidya (ignorance and delusion);
they fall, as it were, into greater darkness
who worship Vidya (knowledge).

The first leads to a life of action,
the second to a life of meditation.

But those who combine action with meditation
cross the sea of death through action
and enter into immortality through meditation.
So have we heard from the wise.

Isa-Upanishad, Verse 9 (Translated by Swami Paramananda)
Isa-Upanishad, Verse 10-11 (Translated by Eknath Easwaran)
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The path of selfish pleasure without the pursuit of something higher is a dark one, but the path of acquiring knowledge for the sake of intellectual pride is even darker. Finding pleasure in the pursuit of knowledge applied with unselfish intentions is the most fulfilling path. At least that’s what I’m gathering.

I suppose immortality could refer to a clearer conscience and purified soul connecting with the everlasting Spirit of The Universe, and the realization you are one with the immortal God. But the practical application of this gem applies to this here and now concept I’ve been adopting of trying to be the light for others.

Last night I was walking down the beach after a swim and came across a middle-aged woman sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees looking troubled. I said hello and she seemed receptive so I asked what she was in such deep thought about. It was amazing how quickly she opened up to a complete stranger about what was bothering her. (But then again, maybe it’s easier to tell someone you’ll likely never see again what’s upsetting you than it is to tell someone who’ll remain in your inner circle.)

I didn’t even have to say anything, just listen. At one point I tried to offer insight but she cut me off to keep talking so I figured that was all she needed. I was only there for five or ten minutes before the sun was disappearing and I told her I wanted to go before it was dark, but I could already see a major shift in mood after a brief conversation with someone who stopped to genuinely listen.

Did I gain anything from hearing her woes? Not really. But to ease the pain in her eyes, even if just for a moment, felt worth the time. It cost me nothing, and all I had to do was nothing.