Goran Yerkovich
Aug 2, 20183 min
Updated: Apr 12, 2020
The EPIC of Gilgamesh, written on stone tables in 2100 BC, is a timeless Sumarian tale showing its readers that immortality is attainable to us all. That wisdom comes from not wealth and power, but from a different place. And that what matters most may not be what you think.
If I had the opportunity to get a message out to a large group of people, it would be this simple message:
Learn from the great scholars and teachings of the times past.
And so in The-Inspired.com you'll begin to see more reference to ancient scholars. Minds and stories from the past. Scholars I studied extensively previously that I believe will help our readers looking for a better, clearer understanding of themselves.
These stories that will change your perception of the world you see today. They will highlight lessons that we can not just learn from, but execute towards living the life filled with bigger and better opportunities for each of us.
Even if, in this case, the story is over 2000 years old.
Death is a fact of life. What lives must die. The pain and suffering we experience today is difficult, it is hard, but it is not a new experience. There are lessons that we can learn from from stories told long ago.
These ancient stories give us important rules on how to live today.
One of the oldest known stories written by man is that of the Epic of Gilgamesh, written on a collection of stone tablets, the tale is of one Sumarian King dated 2100 BC.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh we learn three timeless teachings:
1. That regardless of your power or position, treat others with kindness
2. How to become immortal after our deaths
3. How to live a truly wealthy life
Part 1: That regardless of your power or position, treat others with kindness
You see, Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, had all the riches in the world, but he abused his power. He mistreated his people. He took more than he needed.
The Gods saw this horrible evil and so sent down Enkidu from the heavens to correct this wrong.
In part 1 of this tale, Gilgamesh and Enkidu would compete against each other in trials and in the end become great friends, through their experiences.
Gilgamesh would learn the lesson of kindness. Regardless of wealth, power and status.
He would also learn another valuable lesson, but not realize it at the time.
Part 2: How to become immortal after our deaths
In part 2 tragedy unfolds for our hero Gilgamesh. His now great friend Enkidu dies. Gilgamesh is heart broken.
The king who seemingly had it all failed to realize that in the end - death finds us all - regardless of position or class. Death creates a void that can never be recovered.
Death creates great pain to those who are left behind.
But Gilgamesh, filled with ego and self belief, does not take this certainty to heart.
The pain of Enkidu’s death takes Gilgamesh off on a long and perilous journey to discover the SECRET to eternal life. In search of the secret that will allow him to beat death.
Gilgamesh set’s off on more trials, adventures, tests and builds great monuments.
Gilgamesh experiences many new things. But no matter what he does or where he turns, Gilgamesh is not able to find eternal life.
But he eventually learns that "Life, which you look for, you will never find. For when the gods created man, they let death be his share, and life withheld in their own hands."
However, because of the great buildings and monuments Gilgamesh creates, and the lessons and impressions he leaves behind before he passes, Gilgamesh survives his death.
Gilgamesh becomes immortal because of WHAT he created along the way.
Part 3: How to live a truly wealthy life
Ironically, Gilgamesh, with all the money in the world, spent much of his time on this planet a poor man.
Failing to understand what the meaning of enlightenment was. Failing to see what really mattered in life.
Being kind to others, regardless of your wealth and power. That to be immortal, build and create and learn.
Through experiences can we only live our lives and the bonds we build, those we help along the way, will ensure we will be remembered when we are gone.
And that wealth has many meanings. True wealth is to be surrounded with family and friends. To build a community you love and that love you in return.
Those are the lessons we can take from the Epic of Gilgamesh. An ancient story of the past, timeless, eternal, immortal.
Thanks for reading and I hope that helped someone out there. For more inspiring and thought provoking stories visit us at www.the-inspired.com
Goran Yerkovich