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Leading a Life of Purpose: (Published on 5.10.2024 in Economics Times).

The pursuit of life's purpose can be a perplexing journey, often leaving us with more questions than answers. Questions like "Who am I?" and "Am I giving meaning to my life?" are heavily loaded and can further complicate this quest for an ordinary mind. What we truly need is a clear approach to navigating these questions. The first step is to cultivate a genuine desire and deep-seated need to discover our purpose. Only then can we move forward with implementing it. 


But the basic question is, is having a purpose really necessary? Absolutely! Purpose is the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling life. Without it, life can become disorganized, chaotic, and directionless – a mere existence without substance. Can we simplify this concept? Yes, it's a fundamental human need to seek meaning and connect with something greater than ourselves. This is also emphasized by Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which captures the aspiration for self-actualization beyond basic needs like hunger, security, love, and recognition.


As humans, we have multiple dimensions – physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Excelling in the spiritual dimension is our mission, and it's the quest for fulfillment. If we neglect this ultimate dimension, it can lead to emptiness. In simple terms, our purpose could be to find happiness and spread it to those around us. However, this is easier said than done, as external challenges often hinder our progress and lead us to mistakenly believe that these external factors are the root of our worries.


The key is to evolve through our internal world, as it reflects the external one. According to Vedic teachings, our purpose in life is to become divine beings. This spiritual evolution enables us to navigate the external world and perceive its beauty from a different perspective.


We are made of matter, descended from the divine being, Brahman (cosmic energy).Our quest is to discover the divinity veiled in the maya of Prakriti (Jagat).Thus, our purpose is to evolve from material existence to divine energy, becoming one with the cosmic energy and experiencing bliss. 


This journey can be guided by the mission of Purusharth or by following the four principles of Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). Through reflection and contemplation, we gain clarity and can identify our purpose beyond normal aspirations. This mission provides us with a framework and structure to contemplate and formulate our purpose, simplifying the path to a purposeful life.


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