To put a finer point upon this topic, life is state of being in the same way ice is a solid state of water. Both objects are composed of the same matter, energy, and properties. Yet we recognize these are completely different objects. To determine the meaning of an object being alive, we must first discover what separates alive objects from not alive objects. Is it a property of the physical world, the mental world, the spiritual world, or a combination of the three?
Once you have determined this by your preferred method, you must then discover what it is that separates each life from every other life. This will allow you to define the parameters of the meaning of each life as it pertains to the extent of its dominion.
My personal view on the whole subject is that there is no separations between alive and not alive, all of this exists as a single object which has endowed portions of matter with form to serve a function within the whole. That function will benefit the whole, though it may require the portion to change form several times to do so. In this way, our individuality is a benefit to the whole and a terrible detriment to the portion (individual). By carefully observing the whole, my function is revealed to me in every moment of my observations. As I perform this intended function, the whole seems to relax and existence flows neatly. If I refuse my function, the whole becomes agitated and disjointed to the point of non-function in extreme cases.
Does this help you in your search for meaning?
