From Illusionary Peaks to True Freedom
On a quiet afternoon at the threshold of forty, as the sunset gently descended upon the horizon—the very ocean where I have spent a decade swimming and communing with the silence of the deep—an ancient yet powerful question echoed in my soul: “Ultimately, what am I doing on this earth?”
There is a bitter truth that few dare to admit: We often spend the first half of our lives trying to “become someone” according to the world’s standards, only to spend the remaining half learning how to “return to ourselves.” My journey is no exception—a symphony composed of the soaring notes of ambition and the profound, low vibrations of awakening.
1. The Expedition of the Ego
Looking back at my youth, I see myself as a shuttle tirelessly weaving the tapestry of “security.” Coming from a modest background, I once believed that happiness was the byproduct of material accumulation. I threw myself into work like a machine, validating my worth through cold numbers and external validation.
But once the hunger was sated and the debts were cleared, the Ego began to crave more sophisticated nourishment: Power.
I once stood in prestigious auditoriums from Guangdong to Seoul, managing an organization of over 1,200 people, speaking high-level professional jargon, and feeling immensely significant. I thought I had reached the “summit.”
2. The Crushing of Pride
Yet, it was in those very places that reality dealt me a sobering blow. Engaging with world-class experts, I suddenly realized how remarkably ordinary I was. I witnessed geniuses who lived as humbly as wild grass—souls as still as a mountain lake despite holding the fate of massive global projects in their hands.
In that moment, I understood that titles like “Senior Executive” are merely overcoats. When that coat is stripped away, who am I? The words of Socrates echoed: “True wisdom is knowing that you know nothing.” Accepting that I was “no one” did not bring me sadness; on the contrary, it brought a strange sense of liberation. I no longer had to strain myself to be “great.”
3. Peaks Without Summits & The Vanity of Ambition
The higher I climbed, the thinner the air became. Ambition is a bottomless pit. If one day I stood at the very top, possessing all the power in the world, what would I do next? Sit there to guard my kingdom, or live in fear of the day it vanishes?
The truth is, the highest peak is an illusion. We spend our lives scaling a mountain only to realize the mountain itself does not exist. Every comparison is futile because every individual has their own path, their own destiny.
4. The Journey Toward Light: From Spirit to Wisdom
When the external world no longer provided answers, I began my exodus into the inner world. I learned to embrace my imperfections through the teachings of Hae Min, broke the shackles of the ego with Osho, and listened to the whispers of compassion through the Dharma.
I began to observe the “Three Poisons”: Attachment, Aversion, and Delusion.
- Attachment: Not just for wealth, but for validation and the need to stand above others.
- Aversion: The anger that arises when things do not go as planned.
- Delusion: The ignorance of believing oneself to be the center of the universe.
As I practiced observing these toxins, I began to see “miracles” in every breath, in every morning run, and in the quiet growth of my children.
5. Architecting a Life Worth Living: Wisdom in Simplicity
After forty, I decided not to just “live” by instinct, but to “architect” my life. I applied the 80/20 principle: 80% of my joy comes from the simplest 20%. A good book, a self-composed piano piece, or a sincere conversation.
My goal is no longer cold growth metrics, but the expansion of the soul. Science has proven this through Einstein’s famous equation:$$E = mc^2$$
If matter ($m$) can be converted into energy ($E$), then everything we fiercely compete for today—money, status, possessions—is ultimately just a temporary form of energy. When we depart, that energy dissipates back into the universe. The only thing that remains is the vibration of the compassion and kindness we emitted while alive.
Epilogue: Is the Earth More Beautiful Because I Was Here?
I am here to live a life that is: Simple – Serene – Wise.
- Simple in material needs so the mind remains unburdened.
- Serene in spirit to face the ebbs and flows of impermanence.
- Wise in perception to discern truth from illusion, no longer led by greed or anger.
I deeply understand that I am but a grain of sand, a traveler visiting this blue planet in a mere blink of cosmic history. But even as a grain of sand, I want to be one that glimmers with kindness. I want every project I lead, every book I gift, to make this earth a little greener, a little warmer, and a little more beautiful than the day I arrived.
When I finally leave this form to dissolve into the void, I hope to smile and say: “I lived a full life, not because I achieved everything, but because I finally understood myself.”
Ahaalife – Discipline for Freedom. Abundance for Sharing.
