During this journey, let us choose the attitude of an inquirer – one who holds back on a verdict till the investigation is done. The believing and skeptical attitudes are so subtle that it will take frequent reminders to remain an inquirer throughout. But our first job is to make the choice.

2. ATMOSPHERE

Numerous attempts to scale Mt. Everest [at 29,022 ft, the highest mountain peak in the world] had to be abandoned. The swinging, unpredictable atmospheric conditions -- wind, temperature, ice, visibility etc., would suddenly become mean and menacing, forcing the climbers to turn back and give up in frustration. Another attempt aborted despite all the meticulous and expensive preparations. It might have been a different story if the surrounding conditions had not become so harsh and hostile.