Alexander died in the 114th Olympiad, in the archonship of Genesias at Athens. He lived, as Aristobulus tells us, thirty-two years and eight months, and reigned twelve years and eight months. He had great personal beauty, invincible power of endurance, and a keen intellect;he was brave and adventurous, strict in the observance of his religious duties, and hungry for fame.

Most temperate in the pleasures of the body, his passion was for glory only, and in that he was insatiable. He had an uncanny instinct for the right course in a difficult and complex situation, and was most happy in his deductions from observed facts.

In arming and equipping troops and in his military dispositions he was always masterly. Noble indeed was his power of inspiring his men, of filling them with confidence, and, in the moment of danger, of sweeping away their fear by the spectacle of his own fearlessness.

When risks had to be taken, he took them with the utmost boldness, and his ability to seize the moment for a swift blow, before his enemy had any suspicion of what was coming, was beyond praise. No cheat or liar ever caught him off his guard, and both his word and his bond were inviolable.

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There are many treacherous men in Alexander’s age, and no one could control what other people write about you when you die. I believe this reflection from Arrian upon Alexander’s character to be genuine.

I’m not saying that Alexander is the ultimate man, he is far from it. He does many things that he shouldn’t have done, as most men do. However, we should learn from great men and follow their example where it is appropriate and right to do so.

This little piece of text strike me so much as an example of how a man with integrity and character should carry his life – that I decided to post it here. I hope you find that little piece of Arrian as inspiring and motivating as I did.

Now it’s time for a little jog

To let go is to take control.

This, I believe to be true.

And so today I told myself that I would give up one thing that I like doing, things that have become a part of my life for one day every week – and for that day, I would do something that I have never done before in my life.

It sounds easy – but you will know what it’s like only if you try it. I dub this microfasting. The act of fasting, which originally is meant to raise awareness and self-control, but done on micro level.

So what will I give up this week for 24 hours? Well this week I skipped my Buddhism group meeting (which happens every Wed) as well as Twitter. Usually I would catch up with them, exchange thoughts and ideas, talk about life, our struggles and aspirations over some light snack and tea. I would note down the many things which I have learnt there, and upon reaching home I would tweet my findings to the world through my twitter persona, zenfeed.

This is an activity that I cherish every week. It’s a feast for thought, an enlightening experience and at the same time an opportunity to socialize with fellow Buddhists and friends, to find out how they’ve been, sharing our life’s struggle and encouraging each other to life a beautiful life.

But this week, specifically today, I will give that up.

Today I skipped my Buddhist meeting, and for a change, I will now read one chapter off The Bible. I haven’t read it in many years, and I used to scorn and dismiss it as being a text that will distract you from the truth. For once, I would like to read it with an open perspective. After all, today is Wednesday, the day that I designate to learn about life, love and humanity!

Anyway, I would encourage you to try this out – and if you do, please share your experience with me

In realizing the truth, perhaps it can be said that I have walked through the valley of death while reading this text, or that I have seen a glimpse of enlightenment, even though I may not have the capacity to retain the light for an extended duration. A very curious piece of literature indeed!

God, to a mortal questioning His existence:

First of all it is inaccurate to speak of my role in the scheme of things. I am the scheme of things. Secondly, it is equally misleading to speak of my aiding the process of sentient beings attaining enlightenment. I am the process.

The ancient Taoists were quite close when they said of me (whom they called “Tao”) that I do not do things, yet through me all things get done. In more modem terms, I am not the cause of Cosmic Process, I am Cosmic Process itself. I think the most accurate and fruitful definition of me which man can frame — at least in his present state of evolution — is that I am the very process of enlightenment.

I have mirrored the text into my notes (here), but I really do not wish to plagiarize Raymond’s work, and so if you do wish to read it, I urge you to check out his web site here:
http://www.mit.edu/people/dpolicar/writing/prose/text/godTaoist.html

I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the journey as much as I do.