What do you think makes a life?

According to the Ternary Fundamentalism, the makeup of one’s being is the mind, the body, and the soul.

I think, therefore I exist – or so it would be for the centralism of the “mind”. Even so, it is possible to reduce one’s mind through all sorts of torture, or to condition it as to prevent the theory of mind to form, or even the formation of self-concept and free will, for that matter. In this case, would one be called alive?

Biologically, a being with a self-preservation function is enough to be called alive, even if it was so primitive that it had no self-awareness. If so, then a being without a sense of self, as long as it has a self-preserving “body”, is alive. Putting it that way, then at what point in evolution does one becomes “alive”, if not the formation of self?

Moving on to the next point, what if both the mind and body are in a state where they cannot maintain the self? This, is where the “soul” comes into play. Most “dualists” would state that the soul is one with the mind, or that it is only a metaphysical concept to identify ourselves with.

However, the ternary dogma stated that while the mind, like the body, can be shaped or warped, the soul will always remain the same and is thus separate from the former. In short, it is the very essence of our being, one that cannot be affected by the occurring of the physical world.

In any case, one widespread belief is that all three of them had to be in harmony to fulfill the criteria of life, to be in work as one instead of three, discrete substances. However, even with the advancement of science and technology, “life” remained as one of the greatest conundrum of the universe.

As for me? Well, I have my own theory.

I think, therefore I exist, and yet, “thought" is but a conclusion of causality based on our past experiences and memories. Without them – memories, we are, essentially, without thought. Memories are what makes a life... well, alive. They are the proof of the working of one’s mind, body, and soul.

Even after death, the memories lives on within the off-springs. Genetic memory is passed on through countless generations, becoming the spark of evolution as they accumulate, little by little until they become the proof of entire civilizations. They become culture – language, art, and technology. In other words, the ultimate product of life.

It doesn’t matter if the memories are false or forged because in the end, our being alive is determined by our own sense of selves—our own qualia. Even if others do not, as long as we perceive ourselves as alive, that in itself is proof that we are.

I think, therefore I exist. In this case, it becomes; I remember, therefore I exist.

At least, that was what I believed. And now, here I am, recalling the memories of my last life and yet, I am not alive. Without the mind and body to tie the memories, they are merely a transient abstract that has yet to pass by, as is my own being. I am but a soul, soon to be integrated into the anima mundi— into the Infinite Sphere.

Even so, I am content.

I have my memories and therefore, I have my life with me. So I lied in wait, floating within the Void that is my new home. I waited and waited, though I don’t know what I was waiting for or why. No one knows what awaits beyond death— true death that comes after the soul disintegrates.

I don’t know how long I waited. Here, time is only a relative concept. Millennia becomes minutes, and seconds becomes eternities. I was eternal, yet impermanent at the same time. I don’t mind, though. Like I said, I had my memories. I spent my meta-life replaying the events of the past, over and over and over.

I am... content.

◊ ◊ ◊

There’s something new within the Void; a flickering stream of light, worming through the darkness like a serpent.

What is that?

It’s searching for something. I don’t know how, but I tried calling out to it and it noticed me. And now it’s heading towards me.

Is this it? Am I going to be taken soon? If that’s the case, I shall surrender myself.

As it comes into contact with my soul, the swirling light twists and wraps around my being like a cocoon.

This... what is this...? I feel fear, even though I am without mind. The light is interfering with my soul invasively and it feels immensely... repulsive. Let go of me!

What? Who is it? Who’s there?

What are you doing to me?

This is…? No! STOP IT!

DON’T! Whoever is doing this, please stop!

Why? Who would do this? Is it Eyhan?

Whoever it is, if you can hear me, PLEASE STOP! Don’t erase my memories! They are my... my...

Stop... those are.. don’t... take it... away...!

I... what was I... thinking just now..? I see... the more I think of it..., the faster it is... taken...

Don’t… think about it! Shite... it’s pointless. I can’t help... but think of my most precious memories...

Why is... Who...? I... What was my name?

I... I can’t... remember...

I’m... I’m being guided by the light. Where...? Where are you taking me?

Who are you?

Who am I?

Why am I here?

Why?

Why?

Why am I...?

Why?

Why?

Why am I falling? Are you leaving me? Ah... no. Please, don’t leave me. It’s dark... It’s dark...

Why?

Why is it so dark?

I’m alone now... I’m alone... All alone...

Why am I alone?

Why is it getting darker?

Why am I getting sleepy?

I... Why do I feel so... tired...

I...

I think I’m...

I think I’m going to sleep for awhile...

PART 1 : Purgatory