THE PATH TO PARADISE
A truly successful man leads the life of ‘today’, the temporary world of tests, in such a way that his ‘tomorrow’, the eternal phase of life after death in Paradise, is full of joy. Only such a man can be called a truly successful man. Such a man is treading the Road to Paradise.
The world of nature is a flawless system. It engages in various activities without causing noise pollution. Its ‘factories’ operate round the clock without producing smog. Despite the existence of vast industries, the water remains unsullied. For millions of years, nature has functioned without causing deterioration or accidents. All its components are active, yet there are no labour problems. Though transient and not eternal, nature is a complete world.
Sometimes, events like landslides, floods, droughts, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes occur, leading some to believe that nature is not free from evil. However, such opinions stem from misunderstandings. These seemingly undesirable events either maintain balance in nature or serve to teach humility to humanity. They are, in fact, necessary to preserve the natural order.
In contrast, our world is full of contradictions. While everything in nature is perfect, the human world is marred by flaws and shortcomings, leading to constant unrest. Humanity’s story is one of continuous effort to overcome this dissatisfaction.
Everyone dreams of a perfect world, or ‘paradise,’ and it’s fair to say that humans are indeed seekers of Paradise. One thinker noted that everything in this world is beautiful except for humans. This observation highlights a strange contradiction in our material world. While everything else has reached its ultimate form, human life remains imperfect, plagued by suffering, old age, accidents, and death. Even in the absence of apparent problems, boredom and tension persist.
Why this contradiction? The answer lies in the existence of a Paradise in the next world, created by the universe’s Creator to fulfil human desires. This world is free from all limitations, including fear and pain. In this eternal realm, humans will live to their full potential, experiencing no decline or decay.
The natural world operates with zero defects, where everything is on a final model. Although man has been created in his final form, human life is imperfect and marked by various evils. This dualism within the universe logically demands that this contradiction be resolved. The man should also attain a perfect life, just as the rest of nature has. However, this difference is not inherently evil; it aligns with God’s creation plan.
God has created a perfect world called Paradise, but entry is selective. Only those who meet the standards of Paradise’s citizenship in their earthly lives will be granted a place in this perfect world. This Paradise, hidden from our eyes due to human trials, is reserved for those who possess the necessary qualifications.
This Paradise exists in the world after death. The stage before death is one of preparation, and the stage after death is one of reward based on that preparation. Man’s trial is to discover God, who is in the Unseen, and to voluntarily submit to Him before seeing Him. The desire for Paradise should make this world seem insignificant. Man must adopt divine ethics without external pressure, develop intellectually and spiritually, and become capable of inhabiting the refined world of Paradise.
Paradise is a heavenly realm where peace, love, and noble character prevail. Only those who have maintained a high moral character will find a place there. For those who lack a concept of Paradise, total satisfaction in this world will remain an unattainable dream. Despite all efforts, they will fail to construct their dream world.
However, one who discovers Paradise begins to experience it even in this world. Here, they will enjoy the intellectual pleasure of this discovery, and after death, they will experience it fully. Today, they are blessed with peace of mind; tomorrow, they will live this peaceful life in the external world as well.
In the perfect world of nature, the imperfect human world appears contradictory. But Paradise resolves this contradiction. It signifies a perfect world of eternal comfort and pleasure, a world with meaning greater than even the present world. This divine plan may be what Jesus Christ alluded to when he prayed: “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew: Chapter 6)
