On Monday this week, though it was a working day, we made sure we left home hands-free of any baggage, free even of work stuff and personal effects – because we were going to Coldplay’s Viva La Vida concert, and anticipated swinging a little haha. It amazed me a little that it could be done, because I would usually be carrying some work and personal stuff of unfinished business that I would like to have quick access to.
Recently, I deliberately bought a smaller sling bag – to force myself to carry less things, instead of dumping more and more stuff into the bigger laptop backpack I used, which simply became heavier and heavier. From a big heavy bag, to a smaller light bag, to no bag! Just wallet, phone, keys and the tix to the concert. (The concert was great!)
The freedom from baggage reminded me of how all I would need and want when this life expires is an intangible yet sure ‘ticket’ to Pureland. The rest is simply excess baggage! Excess it is indeed because you cannot bring anything else into your next life, other than your immaterial karma. To hanker on worldly things and ties would bind one from the freedom one could otherwise realise in Pureland. Whatever unfinished worldly business has to be renounced for birth in Pureland to be possible!