Deathground: Near Death Experience

It is a well-known truism that a near-death experience often leads to an acceptance of death and, furthermore, a fearlessness that emerges as a by-product of the experience. Such an experience, I believe, takes you to the very edge, where you are, in a sense, tiptoeing toward death. Initially, the sensation of fear rapidly escalates, reaching its peak, but then, in the most unanticipated and astounding way, it evaporates, leaving behind an emptiness that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. However, after that moment, fear ceases to manifest as anxiety. Instead, it is replaced by an aura of gratitude—an extraordinary perspective that only a minority have come to know. In that instant, gratitude overshadows all fear.

Those who have faced this transformation recognize eternity. Yet when they attempt to convey this insight to others, it is rarely understood with the gravity it deserves. Only those who have experienced it can truly comprehend it. Consider the great author and poet Dostoyevsky, who, standing on the brink of execution, had a profound revelation: “If I do not die, if I am not killed, my life will suddenly seem eternal, every moment.”

Without the urgency of mortality, courage becomes less pressing. In the face of death, however, there is no room for timidity. The fear that exists only in your mind is not the true enemy—it is the imagined dread that drains your spirit. When placed on death ground, where survival hangs by a thread, desperation ignites a unique kind of courage, expertise, and fearless drive. This desperation is not the needy, clinging sort we often associate with the word; it is a state of heightened focus, where every fiber of your being is aligned. Ancient commanders understood this well, inspiring their soldiers with the intensity born of necessity.

Fear is the greatest threat to presence of mind. It thrives on the unknown, conjuring terrifying scenarios that erode our mental clarity. The only antidote is to face it deliberately. Familiarity, after all, soothes fear. By confronting what intimidates us, we reduce its power over us and grow stronger. This act delivers two gifts: it closes the door to regret and instills confidence and satisfaction from overcoming what once held us back. Curiously, the symptoms of anxiety and excitement are nearly identical; the difference lies in context. When we label a sensation as anxiety, we imbue it with negativity. However, by reframing it as excitement, we can transform our experience entirely.

Succumbing to fear leads to a vicious cycle of shame and self-sabotage. Conversely, overcoming it fosters integrity, courage, and a clarity of purpose. Familiarity may bring comfort, but it can also dampen the vital energies stirred by hardship. True growth demands confronting discomfort and navigating uncharted territory.

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The Master

In your effort to impress your teacher, you may unintentionally inspire unease or insecurity, which could later lead to your downfall. Ignorance of the laws of power does not exempt you from their effects; others may manipulate you if you fail to grasp these dynamics. It is essential to honor your master with goodwill and maintain a demeanor that puts them at ease. Resisting certain temptations is crucial to climbing the ladder of power. Nice guys, with their harmless attitudes, rarely achieve greatness.

Confidence is a universal challenge, yet great work often invites envy and resentment. People in positions of power cherish their exclusivity and often view brilliance or natural flair as a threat. Avoid the company of narcissists and the overly conceited. Do not let your own achievements breed self-adulation or resentment in your master. Praise, while powerful, has its limits—be aware of the fine line between flattery and overindulgence.

As a subordinate, it is wise to cultivate an air of innocence and deference, allowing your master to appear more brilliant. Publicly attribute your most innovative ideas to them, and conceal your virtues when necessary. This is not weakness but a strategic move that ultimately contributes to your growth. Never let others exploit your insecurity. By navigating the dynamics of power with humility and wisdom, you set the stage for your eventual success.

Selective assertiveness is sometimes required, particularly if your master is unworthy of their position. Remember: the stars may be as radiant as the sun but remain invisible in her presence. Timing and restraint are key; allow nature to take its course and avoid unnecessary conflict. Ultimately, the relationship between a master and subordinate should be one of mutual respect. The subordinate is the apprentice, and the master serves as a guiding light.