Deferring Gratification

“If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.” Epicurus

These are wise words. Often, we in the West equate the Eastern concept of Nirvana with the Western concept of Heaven. However, the two are diametrically opposed to one another. Heaven is the fulfillment of all desires. Everyone gets a halo and a harp and there is volleyball and badminton and every night there is choir practice and a big birthday party. In this manner, we learn that death is no longer something to be feared.

On the other hand, Nirvana is the destruction of all desires. You systematically work to remove all desires until finally you are even no longer attached to the desire of life. In this other manner, we learn that death is no longer something to be feared.

Deep philosophical discussions on an ex-pat Internet forum about Zihuatanejo. What could be better! (Certainly better than banging away at work on your laptop.)