The Bet
The man with the key lost everything. The man without one became free.
Mar 30, 2026·5 min
Om SwamiOm SwamiOm SwamiOm SwamiOm SwamiOm Swamiजीवन · Jeevana · The unfolding
Every life is a parable, if you read it slowly. These are the small studies — death, time, ordinariness — that hold the largest meanings, written for the late evenings when the day's business has finally let go.
“The best decisions are made with less information than you'd like.”
These ask to be read at dusk.
Begin with this
March 18, 2017·12 min read·34
Like a river infuses life while it meanders about and before it merges in the ocean, our life's purpose is the same — live fully and merge in our own greatness.
Read this reflection
Begin here
Three pieces on time, death, and the ordinary.
59 of 59 reflections
The man with the key lost everything. The man without one became free.
Buridan’s donkey and the best idea you’ll never find...
My thoughts on Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).
We don't have to let our shortcomings become our limitations. Here's a true story.
Here is a beautiful story with a profound esoteric meaning.
Here's a beautiful story you wouldn't want to miss.
Should you regret something that happened because of poor judgement or a lapse of mindfulness?
What if you had a second go at life? What would you do differently?
What does it take to get someone to see the world through your eyes?
What happens when you hit the glass ceiling?
What if the world found out who you really are deep down?
What's the story of your life?
What is the purpose of human life? And whatever it is, if any, what's the best way to realize it?
It's an incredible feeling when you can steer your life in the direction you deem fit. But, how to do it?
Like the rain settles dust particles, our awareness of the "self" reduces the expectations we have from the world.
As old age closes in, here's something you may enjoy reading.
Is a graceful voluntary exit better than dragging on with an unbearable life?
Here's a simple story with a golden advice on how to be at peace and not hurt your relationships.
It's not that complicated at the end of the day: work hard, play hard.
What's a wallaby doing here? Read till the end.
Nothing perceivable is permanent. The clouds, moon, stars, our planet, everything is constantly changing.
Under most circumstances, we all act according to our inherent nature.
Inspired by a philosophical poem, here's my view on the key to lasting happiness in life.
Happiness is an attainment whereas we mistake it for the pleasures of life. Instead, It's a journey, a path, a state of being.
Even the strongest tree sways in the face of gusty winds. Being strong doesn't mean you show no emotion.
Here's a beautiful parable showing the possibility of a life without any problems at all.
When you learn to flow with life, it becomes a beautiful and blissful journey.
What if there were no death and everyone was immortal? Would life be better if it were eternal?
Here's a beautiful story of faith and surrender from the magnificent epic, the Mahabharata.
Here's a beautiful story from the life of Alexander the Great on the futility of reckless pursuits.
Sometimes all you have to do is look at the flip side and the puzzle of life turns into a beautiful picture
Is death a matter of choice? Does dying a certain way mean you will or won't go to heaven?
Happiness is the path we walk. It's a matter of commitment, in fact, it's a choice and not always the outcome.
All living entities are constantly working towards the same truth. It's simple and penetrating. Here's my perspective.
The question you should be asking is not what is the purpose of human life, but what is the purpose of your life.
In the big scheme of things no matter how much you have, it'll still be negligible. Peace is contentment.
If you don't stand for something in life, you end up falling for just about anything.
Feeling loved is like sitting next to a calm ocean. It's inexplicable. You become an ocean yourself. You feel complete.
Water evaporates and it rains back, Nature's play continues. Everything in nature is eternal. It only gets transformed.
A life of peace and meaning is far more precious than an exquisite symbol of death. Now is the time to live.
Mary had a little lamb. What? She gave birth to a lamb? Everyone was expecting a human baby! Why do we laugh?
You are old when your memories are no longer bridges but boulders that obstruct your present journey.
The world wants you to be a trained donkey like others, like themselves in fact. They will if you let them. Be yourself.
Your opinions are a reflection of your inner world, a statement of the depth of your intellect and understanding.
A dying tree can offer neither shade nor fruit. You'll crumble eventually if you continue to ignore yourself.
Why just an occasion, let's celebrate life. Your life is a celebration, you are a celebration.
Surrender is a form of acceptance and you can surrender like a kitten or a monkey. Which one are you?
When you pretend to be someone you are not, you disconnect yourself from the source inviting unforeseen problems.
A king dearly loved his four wives but when the time came, they abandoned him. Here's a beautiful story.
If everything was predestined then there would be no room for karma, for free will, but there is.
When you stay the course, staying true to your purpose, the journey becomes enjoyable, and the path, colorful.
Death is not just the end of this life but the beginning of a new one too.
Happiness is a journey, it's not a destination. It's not based on where you are but on where you feel you are.
What is your resolution for the next 12 months? Do you plan on living like a yogi or continue to be engrossed in the world?
This world is like a supermarket. Everyone is a shopper and your choices are limited to your affordability and the stock on the shelves.
Why this world can be a difficult place and why being comfortable with yourself is the easiest way to be at peace — read and find out.
Life is like a musical instrument. The sounds and symphonies it produces, the melodies it creates depend more on the player than on the instrument itself.
There are two ways to lead your life or walk the spiritual path — the way of the spider or the bee.
Human life is like a movie. What sort of movie it turns out to be is in your hands. You can be the actor or the spectator, or both, perhaps.
Looking for something else? There are eight more themes in the library.
Browse all themesHere's a beautiful Taoist story with profound wisdom
![The Truth of Death [Hindi]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.os.me%2Fstorage%2Fv1%2Fobject%2Fpublic%2Fpost-images%2Fcovers%2F2012%2F04%2Ftruth-of-death.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
