A pilgrim had traveled all over the world searching for an enlightened sage who could tell him the meaning of life. Time after time he had been disappointed. Some of the sages were charlatans who wanted money, some had refused to talk to him because he was a foreigner, and some had given up talking altogether. Finally he heard about a great swami who lived in a cave high in the Himalayas. The swami, it was said, was the wisest man on earth, and he was willing to share his wisdom with anyone who made the effort to seek him out.
So the pilgrim made his way to the foothills of Chomolungma and began to climb. The ascent took three days, and several times he almost fell. Finally, with the last of his strength, he climbed the cliff just below the cave, and staggered into it. Though the temperature was well below freezing, the swami was naked, sitting cross-legged, covered only by his long hair and beard. His eyes were closed, and he wore a beatific smile. The pilgrim didn’t want to disturb the holy man’s meditation, but the swami, without opening his eyes, said, “Welcome, seeker! Ask your question, and I will answer it.”
“O great swami, what is the meaning of life?”
“Follow your bliss,” replied the swami serenely.
“Do what?”
“Follow your bliss.”
“Oh, come on! That’s just warmed-over Joseph Campbell New Age bullshit! It isn’t the meaning of life!”
“It isn’t? Shit! I’ve wasted my life!” the swami cried out, and jumped off the ledge.
