○The Purpose of Life

     All human beings are constantly troubled and suffering. This suffering arises from thoughts related to past memories and future anxieties. However, when a person achieves no-mind, peace and serenity enter their inner being, allowing them to break free from the cycle of suffering.

    The problems and relationships that arise in one's daily life are often a result of their own thoughts, actions, and words. By practicing no-mind, maintaining silence as the foundation, and engaging in moderate conversations with others, unnecessary problems become less likely to occur. Even if problems do arise, they are not viewed as problems and are not exacerbated. For example, when meeting someone they dislike, if one thinks about their dislike, it may subtly transmit to the other person. However, if one immediately becomes aware of this and enters a state of no-mind, the relationship is less likely to deteriorate.

    The ultimate purpose of human life, as advocated by Prout Village, is to break free from the cycle of thought (ego) → desire → attachment → suffering and to exist with a calm mind. Just as individuals have habits in their actions, there are also habitual patterns of thought, and if those patterns are negative, individuals unconsciously suffer. The key is to cultivate the habit of no-mind and overcome negative thought patterns.

    Without thought (ego) and "I", my body, my possessions, and the meaning of my life would cease to exist. When there is no thought, the only thing remaining in the mind is consciousness. Consciousness exists first, followed by thought (ego). In other words, consciousness is the primary entity, and the ego emerges thereafter. The name, body, gender, and nationality that humans think of as "I" are illusions belonging to the ego, and consciousness is the true form of a human. When there is no thought and only consciousness, tranquility and peace prevail, and from there, when thought "ego" appears, suffering begins.

    The purpose of life recommended by Prout Village, which is the overcoming of the ego, means recognizing that the true form of humans is consciousness, becoming no-mind, and existing as consciousness. Humans gain various insights through life experiences. In this process, they grow and mature as individuals. This growth and maturation are directed towards overcoming the ego. When immature, one may act selfishly, but as one matures, the ego is restrained, and respect and priority for others increase. In other words, humans accumulate a wealth of life experiences and increase their awareness until they return to their original form of consciousness. Eventually, for those who have overcome the ego and for whom it becomes natural to always exist as consciousness, the meaning of life disappears. Until that point is reached, they repeatedly oscillate between temporary joys and sufferings caused by the ego.

    This is a purpose possible only because we live in this world, and it is uncertain whether it can be done after death.

    Furthermore, during moments of no-mind, human beings gain intuition, which guides their actions. Sometimes this intuition leads to finding one's true calling or suitable vocation, igniting passion. In such cases, pursuing this passion may become another purpose in life.