October 07
Milestone originated from its use in the road construction sector, but it can also be applied to marking significant achievements in the lives of individuals or society. Similar to mileposts along roads, milestones are dedicated to great victories in various realms of lifespan. As such, it should be proud of pouring out endeavours to accomplish any missions or visions in the past events.
Setting milestones in memory
In fact, these milestones should not be used to oppress others or to display evidence of owners’ efforts. The journey toward achieving these milestones in life should be free from dishonesty, unethical practices, or actions taken merely to gain prestige. It is certain that nobody will set their failures and losses as milestones in memory for their lives. I think everybody wishes to place their victories, achievements, and accomplishments in significant events as their milestones in life.
For example, somebody has made the utmost efforts for the development of a region or a nation without considering their selfishness, and they invest their property and souls in their work processes for the sake of the nation and the nation. Those persons did not have spare time to consider how to set milestones in their lives. But, when they have passed away, the entire people would set significant accomplishments and victories along the lives of those persons as milestones in their honour. It is because those persons are admirable to all, and they are symbols of the country. Such milestones should not be compared to milestones of other ordinary people, and the formers will be historical shreds of evidence of the country.
We have all experienced various situations in our lives, witnessing both good and bad throughout successive eras, from childhood to the present day. We also tasted fruits of new and old items, secret and open reasons, wickedness and righteousness and so on in our lives. During these times, we actively participated in some events. Among these, some experiences were sweet, others bitter, some acceptable, and others not. Throughout our lifespan, we have inevitably encountered truth and falsehood, compassion, and the tyranny of time and cruel fate. We have had the opportunity to experience the ways of the mundane world, where gain and loss, fame and dishonour, praise and blame, and happiness and suffering are all excellent factors of life.
In fact, we all try hard to overcome things we cannot accept and do not like. At the same time, we kept some good things and achievements in life in mind. We were happy for the successful and good things, but we regretted the bad things we faced.
Needs to assess events of life
Sometimes, we intentionally or unintentionally encroach upon others in our lives. Likewise, we have unexpectedly been subjected to mistreatment. We have experienced both loss and progress. Sometimes, we rejoiced in our successes, while at other times, we agonized over the painful impacts of problems and challenges. Similarly, we enjoy the greatest happiness when our hopes and once-lost dreams come true. Gradually, these good and bad experiences accumulated as precious lessons for us. However, we should ask ourselves: how often have we genuinely reflected on and analyzed these experiences?
The experiences we have had throughout our lives, from childhood to the present, should never disappear. We cannot forcibly erase the events we have faced, nor can we make efforts to preserve them for the long run intentionally. These experiences and events are invaluable milestones in our lives.
In fact, no one can intentionally create the milestones of life day and night. Similarly, it is impossible to pray for their emergence or prevention. The good and bad experiences we deeply embrace throughout our lives gradually transform into the milestones of our existence. Actually, the general public wishing to set milestones in their honour needs to try hard to overcome great challenges by showing their unprecedented capacity. If so, these incidents will be milestones in their lives. However, it will be similar to the scene set in the movie shooting. Actual milestones must be based on unexpected occurrences in which those capable persons would show off their excellent prowess with better management over the situations.
Some milestones have emerged naturally throughout our lives, marked by bitter, sweet, joyful, sorrowful, energetic, and depressing events. Other milestones were intentionally set through our most incredible efforts as defining moments of our lives. While the history of life is an abstract noun that cannot be tangibly shown, these milestones are genuine reflections of our existence and cannot be suppressed or discarded.
Different types of milestones
Looking back on our current situation, we can see some life milestones clearly, while others appear faint or dull, barely recognizable. Some are vivid and firm, while others are fading. Certain milestones still shine brightly, while others have dimmed over time. These milestones vary in form depending on their significance, context, and timing. There are milestones we avoid reflecting on, as they threaten our sense of security by exposing flaws in our prestige and integrity. While we may confidently reflect on those milestones shaped by good deeds, we hesitate to revisit those marred by corruption and dishonesty. Even so, these milestones cannot simply be erased because we lack the courage to face them. In truth, the milestones of life are indestructible because they represent the experiences imprinted on our hearts and minds.
It is delightful to review certain milestones in life. As we look back on them, the mind relives happiness and pleasure, often accompanied by a renewed sense of strength in the body. Everyone wishes to build milestones that will exist forever, but they cannot. Some milestones naturally emerge on their own strength. We have invested our blood, sweat, labour, and hearts into the creation of these milestones, which reflect the history of our lives. Therefore, we cannot simply prioritize the good and favourable milestones while ignoring the less desirable ones. In reality, these milestones cannot be arranged or erased at will because they are, in essence, our duplicates – our offspring.
These milestones reflect our lives. Every action we have taken throughout life is directly recorded in these milestones. Everyone desires goodness, and we all strive for the best. Thus, we wish to accumulate an abundance of positive milestones. To achieve this, we must engage in sound and virtuous actions. In order to do so, we should analyze all the milestones from our past, learning valuable lessons from them to contribute to the emergence of more positive milestones in the future.
The best path and solutions for the future
We all need to seek the best path and solutions for the future while reflecting on the milestones of life that benefit both our secular and spiritual lives; as the Myanmar saying goes, ‘Bring home the bacon’. By doing so, we will have the opportunity to prepare and shape new, more beautiful milestones in the future. That will allow us to enjoy happiness when looking back at these milestones along the journey of life. Similarly, we may experience moments of remorse or accumulate knowledge. Only by regularly reflecting on the milestones of life can we ensure that our future milestones will be better, stronger, and brighter.
In fact, the milestones of life reflect our good and true performances. Likewise, they also reveal our wrongdoings and bad activities. Although it is impossible for anyone to fully know or seek out both evil deeds and goodwill performances, we can inevitably see all aspects. Therefore, we need to learn from these milestones to cultivate the best lifestyle while analyzing our life records in order to build a life of prestige. Since the milestones assess how we stand with integrity and honour, we have the opportunity to correct our wrongdoings and uphold what is right before our final days. At the right time, we must work to improve our lives. Those who do not dare to make improvements themselves risk falling into the dark ravine of life.
These milestones are like torches lighting the way for the remaining days of our lives. Although these torches indicate both the correct and wrong paths, we must choose our own way of walking. The milestones, as referees, will help guide us away from the incorrect route. Therefore, I wish for everyone to follow the correct path while analyzing their relevant milestones.
Actually, milestones are the greatest for us, but these may not be important. We indeed have to deservedly take pride in our milestones because these could be built on a self-reliant basis. Others did not have any consideration over our milestones due to the lack of their participation. Similarly, they would be proud of their milestones.
A concept for milestones
In fact, these milestones must be built in correct and valid endeavours without violations against any restrictions and laws adopted by relevant governments, as well as natural characters and social standards set by the natural environment. Anyone should not set milestones based on malpractices and physical and mental offences. Milestones of someone should not harm others, and these milestones should not be based on the sufferings of others.
In fact, these milestones can be dubbed as advising us on how to analyze past events in our lives. We can analyze the nature of these milestones, which are dedicated to the best lifestyle for all, and advise us not to commit unfair and unjustified acts, not to bully others, and to embrace sympathy for all. These concepts are unchangeable in line with the preaching of the Lord Buddha. But, if all milestones are not regrettable, these will be the best.
Moreover, milestones, which are notable events in life, must be better and better. The milestones at a young age should be in line with the relevant age levels, and these must be basic for great milestones to be set up in the older life. These milestones must be set up depending on the maturity of life. Hence, as people grow older, their life milestones become more meaningful.
Milestones will exist depending on somebody’s wonderful endeavours. Some milestones are gradually fading out, but some milestones have existed for many centuries in global history. Some have been notorious for their malpractices, but their titles are still famous in the society. However, these notorious milestones cannot be compared with those of famous persons. Although both types of persons could set milestones in their lives, it is sure that the most remarkable milestone of a famous person can occupy the hearts and souls of the people regardless of enemy, religion, nationality, country and gender. Whenever people know the root causes of a milestone based on notorious deeds, people will denounce it. Otherwise, people will always praise the milestones depending on genuine and acceptable root causes.
