The Essence of All

The Essence of All

Janpha Thadphoothon

I am sure you would agree with me that the search for meaning is a fundamental human pursuit. We constantly ask "why?" and "what is the point?" It is in these questions that we seek the essence of things. Recently, in my English class, we delved into the adjective "essential." It sparked a profound reflection on the core of existence, a journey that led me back to a phrase I encountered long ago, a phrase that resonates deeply: "Esse est Deus."

Gemini-generated image prompted by Janpha Thadphoothon

As we know, "Esse" in Latin translates to "being," and "Deus" to "God." They say this phrase encapsulates the idea that being itself is God. I am not a Christian, but I have lived amongst many, and I must admit that the sheer weight of this concept is undeniable. It is well known that many philosophical and theological traditions explore the nature of being and its connection to the divine. And, I must admit that, even though I am not religious, I find myself drawn to the concept of Esse est Deus.

I remember a small café in Canberra, Australia, called "Esse." Those were the days when everything was simple, but even then, the name struck me as significant. Little did I know how profound its meaning truly was. It was a place where I enjoyed coffee, a simple pleasure. But perhaps, even in that simple act, there was a glimpse of the essence of being.

In my class, I asked my students to contemplate the essence of anything at all. One student, in a moment of practical insight, said the purpose of getting rice is to attain happiness. I then asked, "What is the essence or the point of happiness?" The question hung in the air, a silent challenge. Then, another student ventured, "The essence of being alive is to maintain the continuity of the human species." This brought us to a deeper, more challenging question: Based on the doctrine of Esse, what is the essence of continuing the human species?

The ultimate answer is not easy to arrive at. I guess it is in that very difficulty that the essence lies. I somehow think that the essence of all things is the apex of all living things. That's why generations after generations ask us to ponder upon the thesis of Esse est Deus. Let me introduce you to the notion of a continuous, interconnected web of existence, where each element, from the smallest grain of rice to the vastness of the universe, plays a role in the grand narrative of "being."

Some argue for the idea that the essence of life is simply survival, a biological imperative. Some argue against this, asserting that there must be a higher purpose, a deeper meaning. Experts say that the human brain is wired to seek patterns and meaning, to find connections between seemingly disparate elements. I am not an expert, but I have read somewhere that this innate drive is what fuels our philosophical and spiritual inquiries.

In my opinion, the student who suggested the continuation of the human species touched upon a vital aspect of existence. However challenging, I determine to make it clear that simply perpetuating our species is not the final answer. We must ask: why continue? What is the purpose of this continuation? I'd like to entertain you with the idea that the essence lies in the unfolding of potential, in the exploration of consciousness, in the pursuit of understanding.

I know you would agree with me that the concept of "essence" is inherently subjective. It is shaped by our experiences, our beliefs, and our perspectives. My gut tells me that the essence of all things is not a static, definable entity, but rather a dynamic, evolving process. It is the continuous unfolding of being, the endless dance of existence.

I am not sure but, perhaps, the essence of all things is not something we can grasp with our minds, but rather something we experience with our hearts. It is the feeling of connection, the sense of wonder, the awe we feel when we gaze at the stars or hold a newborn baby.

Nevertheless, it is my long-held belief that (though I could be wrong) the search for essence is a journey, not a destination. It is the act of questioning, of pondering, of seeking that brings us closer to understanding. Fundamentally, I would argue that the essence of all things is the interconnectedness of all beings. It is the realization that we are all part of a larger whole, a vast and intricate tapestry of existence.

Having said that, I realize that this is a deeply personal interpretation. No one knows everything, but I would like to share my perspective. I like the idea of embracing the mystery, of accepting that some questions may never be fully answered. It is in this acceptance that we find peace, a sense of belonging in the vastness of the universe.

My conviction is that the essence of all things is not something we find, but something we create. It is the meaning we give to our lives, the values we uphold, the connections we forge. It is the legacy we leave behind, the impact we have on the world.

I could be wrong, but I somehow think it is in the simple moments that we find the essence of being. A shared laugh, a kind word, a moment of silence in nature. These are the threads that weave the tapestry of existence.

People say that the search for meaning is a uniquely human endeavor. But I wonder if all living things, in their own way, are also seeking the essence of their existence. The bird building its nest, the tree reaching for the sun, the river flowing to the sea—each is playing its part in the grand symphony of being.

As we continue our journey, let us remember the words of "Esse est Deus." Let us embrace the mystery of being, the beauty of existence, and the interconnectedness of all things. Let us seek the essence not in answers, but in the questions we ask, in the connections we forge, and in the love we share.

In this grand symphony, we find echoes of various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, for example, the apex or ultimate goal of human existence is to attain Nibbana, a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. This concept, like "Esse est Deus," speaks to a profound understanding of being and its ultimate potential. It suggests that the essence of human life, at its highest aspiration, is the transcendence of worldly limitations, the realization of a state beyond the transient nature of existence.

What we all know and agree upon is that the search for essence is a continuous, evolving process. Let us embrace the journey, with open hearts and minds, and discover the essence of all things within ourselves and in the world around us.

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand. Janpha Thadphoothon also holds a certificate of Generative AI with Large Language Models issued by DeepLearning.AI.