The Pakodas on the newspaper article : A philosophical view

In the bustling heart of a vibrant marketplace, where the air is thick with the aromas of spices and the lively chatter of vendors, stands a humble food stall. The specialty here is pakodas, golden and crispy, served hot on sheets of newspaper. These papers, soaked in oil, carry stories and articles, one of which prominently reads, "11 Foods That Help in Weight Loss." Beneath this ironic headline, a subtitle quips, "Only after finishing all the pakodas could I read the whole article."

This simple scene is a profound metaphor for life. Each pakoda symbolizes a milestone, an achievement, or a responsibility, much like the dopamine shots we experience from our accomplishments. The newspaper beneath, with its life-altering messaging mostly, represents our deeper purpose and the true essence of our existence.

The Pakodas of Life

1. Education and Good Grades:

The first pakoda is fresh and tantalizing, echoing the promise of education. The dopamine rush from acing exams and securing top grades fuels our hunger for success. Yet, as we savor this pakoda, the newspaper's words remain hidden, waiting to reveal their secrets.

2. Sports and Medals:

The second pakoda is garnished with the glory of medals and trophies. The euphoria of victory and recognition from peers is intoxicating. But as we bite into this pakoda, the ink of the newspaper blurs, overshadowed by the thrill of achievement.

3. Good Career and Name:

The next pakoda, seasoned with professional success, brings the satisfaction of a well-earned reputation and career milestones. Each bite elevates us higher, but the ink on the newspaper starts to smudge, unnoticed in our pursuit of prestige.

4. Money and Fame:

This pakoda is rich and indulgent, symbolizing the allure of wealth and fame. The dopamine from financial success and public recognition can be addictive. Yet, as we enjoy this pakoda, the paper grows greasier, the words fading further.

5. House and Status:

The crunch of the next pakoda resonates with the solidity of owning a home and achieving social status. The comfort and pride in these tangible assets keep us occupied, leaving the newspaper still untouched.

6. Kids and Family:

A pakoda filled with the joy and fulfillment of raising a family brings warmth and contentment. The responsibilities and achievements of parenthood add layers of meaning to our lives, but the paper below remains obscured.

7. Kids' Education and Career:

The subsequent pakoda is spiced with the ambitions and successes of our children. Their achievements become our own, and we relish their progress, yet the newspaper waits silently beneath, its message still hidden.

8. Marriage and Settlement:

The final pakoda in this round is filled with the stability and companionship of a settled life. The sense of completion and security it brings is satisfying, but as we finish this pakoda, the paper is soaked with oil, the ink smeared and illegible.

The Unseen Article

As we consume each pakoda, driven by the rush of accomplishments and the fulfillment of responsibilities or securing life, the article on the newspaper remains unread. For some, there comes a moment when the pakodas are gone, and they finally turn their attention to the paper. They are the fortunate ones, with time left to ponder and act upon the deeper purpose hidden beneath their achievements/responsibilities.

For others, the ink may have bled into the oil, the words smeared and difficult to decipher. The story of their true purpose is obscured by the remnants of their pursuits or overburdened with responsibilities. Some may find themselves caught in a cycle, finishing one batch of pakodas only to start another, never able to pause and read the article beneath.

Then there are those who might throw the paper away finding it useless after eating, having lost the chance to uncover their life's true meaning. For them, life ends without ever realizing their deeper purpose, only to be reborn with a new sheet of newspaper and a fresh batch of pakodas, hoping this time to read the article in time.

The Cycle of Pakodas and Purpose

Life is a continuous cycle of desires and responsibilities, each represented by a pakoda. The newspaper beneath, with its elusive article, symbolizes our personal soul purpose. To break this cycle, we must balance savoring the pakodas with reading the article, ensuring we understand and act upon our true calling before it's too late.

In this metaphorical feast, the challenge lies in not just relishing the pakodas but also in pausing to read the newspaper beneath. Only then can we truly savor the essence of our existence, understanding our purpose and acting upon it, before the ink fades and the paper disintegrates.

Amidst the marketplace's noise and color, where life’s offerings are abundant and tempting, let us remember to pause and reflect. For in the quiet moments of contemplation, beyond the immediate gratifications, lies the profound understanding of who we are and why we are here.