I can still remember clearly, 2 years ago, how much I loathed biathlon. It just didn’t make any sense at that time. Why go through all the blood, sweat and tears for something so utterly mundane, when I could’ve spent the time playing soccer or having sex (jk) instead. Who in the right frame of mind would choose pain over pleasure? If I so mock such choices, then I insult the many other rituals other people purposefully go through. How does becoming a vegetarian cleanse the mind and soul as mentioned by Sai Baba? What is the purpose of the period of Ramadan and the fasting rituals a Muslim has to practise? In fact, fasting shouldn’t be limited to just Islam alone but to other religions such as Jainism, Bahá’í, Buddhism, Christianity etc. What is the link here? Food is a basic necessity. So much so, we treasure it, adore it and yearn for it. It becomes a desire. For some, alcohol becomes an addiction, for others, the mention of chocolate weakens one’s control. Yes, the word – control. If one is able to abstain from the desires of life, then one would be in control of his mental world. If one is unfearful to face the undesired, then surely he must be a master of his emotions. Yes, I do aquathlon because it keeps me healthy and zesty. More importantly, I sincerely seek a a fulfilling and worthy life.
