What is life?

One is often qustioned about life whenever there is something that is going to effect life immensely! I was once questioned by my mentor regarding life. At that moment I was awestruck as to why my mentor was asking me about life. I have always looked up to my mentor for what he has acheived and his life experiences have always been motivating. So now i was sitting in front of my mentor and i had to answer about life. The first few thoughts that flowed were: 'I'm not as experienced as him to even give a reply. I have a lot of things to see in this world. What am i supposed to say.. I really have only one thing that i've a lot to learn in life still'.

I didn't have the courage to respond to that question and all of a sudden a colleague of mine walks into the room. He is then questioned about life. He responds to it almost spontaneously by saying ' life is a path of learning!'. I was totally shocked by his spontanity! I was thinking about it for so long and now he almost speaks the similar words that i wanted to say, but yet i've been silent all through the time. Now, my mentor asks me that question again and i'm still searching for the right words to speak when he says ' you are scared of even answering this question. You are scared about how i will judge you' to this my mind instantly thinks 'wow.. My mentor knows me quite well.'

I don't quite remember if i gave an answer at that very time. One thing that i do remember is that the question lingers in mind every moment i try to do something different. Each decision of mine is completely influenced by that particular conversation! In solitude i seldom think that life is what we make it to be but at times when i'm in a crowded place, i tend to observe the various shades of life. Its sometimes hidden in others' deeds and words, while at other times in the spirit and determination to overcome every situation and just smile.