When the game is over

When the game is over, the king and the pawn go into the same box."

​This phrase expresses life’s deepest truth in the simplest way.

​The life of this world is like a chessboard. In it, we all play different roles.

One person has the pride of being a king, while another is in the ordinary position of a pawn.

However, once the game is over, all those differences vanish.

This is a powerful reminder of the impermanence (Anitya) of life.

​The status, wealth, fame, and power we achieve in human life are all temporary.
   
In chess, the king is the most important piece.

Yet, even he is placed inside the box at the end of the game.

Similarly, the pawn, which has the least value, ends up in the exact same box.
  
This reflects the highest philosophy of equality.

​Before death, no one is big and no one is small. We all arrive at the same state.

​If we realize this truth in our lives, our perspective will change completely.

We will begin to ask ourselves.

Why are we drowning in so much competition, jealousy, enmity, and arrogance?

We will understand that it is wrong to give excessive respect to someone just because they hold a high position, or to despise another.

When the realization dawns that we are all moving toward the same final destination, humanity will naturally begin to flourish.

​From a spiritual point of view, these lines act as a medicine to shatter the greatest obstacle Ego.

​Vedanta states that the thought of "I" is the root cause of all suffering.

The notion of "I am big," "I achieved this," or "I am important" binds a human being in suffering and attachment.

But once the truth sinks into the mind that we will all reach the same state one day, that sense of "I" gradually dissolves.

​This also teaches us another important lesson .

Life is merely a journey, not a permanent state.

​We have come here for a specific period of time.

What we do during that time is what truly matters.

In chess, even a pawn can transform into a queen if it reaches the right place.
   
Similarly, even an ordinary human being can attain a high spiritual state through good deeds.

This is the essence of Karma Yoga.

​This concept is incredibly beneficial to a common man.

Often, he is exhausted by the burdens of life and suffers from the thought,

"I have nothing." But these lines offer him comfort.

"Everyone ends up on the same path."
   
Therefore, there is no need to feel distressed by looking at others.

Living well with what we have is true success.

​Furthermore, it teaches us humility.

Even if we are in a high position today, it is not permanent.

Therefore, it is vital to respect others.
   
Only a humble mind can achieve true spiritual progress, whereas a proud mind will always create complications.

​This realization also reduces the fear of death.

Many view death as a terrifying event.
   
But once we understand that it is a part of nature, that fear diminishes.

The feeling that "this is the path everyone walks" brings peace to the mind.
   
Consequently, we must strive to make every day we live meaningful.

​These lines bring about a profound spiritual awakening.

We are not the body we are the soul.

​Only the body is born and dies the soul is eternal.

Like chess pieces, only our bodies undergo changes.

The true state the soul always remains the same.

Once this is realized, many of life's complications will seem trivial.

​Thus, this single short line transforms into a great spiritual discourse.

It teaches us equality, humility, impermanence, spiritual awakening, compassion, and humanity.

If we imprint this in our minds and practice it in our daily lives, we can attain true peace and fulfillment.

​"When the game is over" is a crucial reminder.

No one knows when this game called life will end.

Therefore, the way we live today is what matters.

Good thoughts, good deeds, and loving behavior are our true wealth.

Because when we go into the box after the game is over, these are the only true values that come with us.

​Yours lovingly,
Sakthi Sakthithasan