In a recent trekking expedition to the Himalayas, the sight of Nanda Devi being lit up by the setting sun moved me emotionally. My eyes were moist and the heart swelled up with emotions that are hard to explain. These are the moments I live for … when the beauty of nature merges with my inner being.
The sight of Nanda Devi being lit up not only stirred up latent emotions in me but also thoughts … of living a life of purpose … of experiencing true freedom. A serendipity I’ve only experienced while trekking in the mountains.
Nanda Devi—the highest mountain that is located entirely within India—feels no heat, nor cold, nor anger, nor fear, nor pleasure, nor pride. The light shining on Nanda Devi may evoke inexplicable joy in humans. An ominous cloud cover over the mighty mountain may cause immense disappointment in us earthlings. But Nanda Devi remains unmoved at all times—in moments when the light shines on her or when the cloud covers her entirely … in moments when the snow falls on her or the rain that washes off the snow—guarding the valley from the chill icy blasts blowing from the arctic.
There’s a lesson for us to imbibe the Nanda Devi-ness. No matter what anyone says—some will shine a light on you and some will try and cover it—you can always choose to live with freedom—free from anger … free from fear … free from greed. Existing only to fulfill a purpose.
