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Transcendence of Ego and a quest for profound joy ( published on 27.09.2024 in TOI - Speaking Tree)

In our essence, all human beings are seekers, driven by an innate and profound desire to uncover meaning and purpose in life. This search is not a superficial quest but a deep-rooted yearning embedded within the very fabric of our being. Our true nature aspires to transcend the mundane, to rise above the ordinary struggles of existence, and ascend to a life filled with fulfillment, where we can fully realize our highest potential. This is the ultimate expression of our humanity—the pursuit of a life that goes beyond mere survival and touches the realms of creativity, love, and spiritual awakening.


However, this intrinsic aspiration, though powerful and ever-present, often becomes obscured by the relentless demands and distractions of daily life. The pressures of survival—meeting our basic needs, fulfilling our desires, and adhering to societal expectations—can overshadow our deeper purpose. As a result, we find ourselves slipping into a survival mode, a state of existence that prioritizes immediate needs and concerns over our creative and spiritual growth. In this state, we forget our true nature, which is inherently blissful and expansive. We become entangled in the endless cycle of fulfilling our base desires, losing sight of the higher self that seeks truth and bliss. This entanglement creates attachments that bind our chit (consciousness), preventing it from exploring the higher realms of sat (truth) and ananda (bliss).


Our minds, captivated by the primal instincts of survival, suppress the deeper, more profound longing to live a life of purpose and significance. In the noise and chaos of everyday life, we lose touch with our divine nature—our inherent connection to the universe and all living beings. We forget that we are not isolated entities but are deeply interconnected with the world around us and have an essential place within the vast expanse of the cosmos.


The ancient wisdom encapsulated in the phrase "Atman is Brahman"—the understanding that our individual soul (Atman) is, in fact, an integral part of the universal consciousness (Brahman)—becomes a distant memory. This wisdom, which holds the key to our highest potential, is often overshadowed by the fragmented nature of our thoughts and actions. We become isolated, viewing ourselves as separate from the whole, rather than recognizing our true identity as a vital part of the cosmic order. This fragmentation of our consciousness prevents us from reaching the higher levels of intelligence and awareness necessary for true fulfillment. Without this higher understanding, we remain confined to the lower levels of existence, where suffering is inevitable, and the pursuit of happiness becomes elusive, defeating the very purpose of life.


Rarely do we embody the microcosm of the universe, living in harmony with the macrocosm.It is only when we consciously and consistently bring this awareness into our daily lives that we begin to see beyond the horizon of the mundane. By doing so, we can rise above the limitations of ordinary existence and connect with the infinite possibilities that lie within us.

Living life as if it were a predictable formula—a rigid and structured approach—fails to honor the dynamic and complex nature of our existence. Life is not a scientific equation that can be solved with logic and reason alone; it is a multifaceted journey that requires intuition, wisdom, and a deep understanding of our true purpose. The key to navigating this journey lies in our awareness of Dharma—the righteous way of living. Dharma serves as our guiding principle, prompting us to perform our karma—the actions that are aligned with our highest values and purpose. This is the prudent and desirable way of living, a path that leads to true fulfillment and contentment.


In this context, the framework of Purusharth—comprising Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama(desires), and Moksha (liberation)—serves as the prime driver for right conduct. When we bring these principles into our conscious awareness, our actions begin to align with this ideal code of conduct. It is a way of leading a meaningful life, where every action is infused with a sense of purpose and every decision is made with the highest good in mind.


Our true Artha and Moksha lie in understanding the governing principles of life and practicing them in a way that leads to fulfillment. This fulfillment is not just about achieving personal goals or desires; it is about realizing our highest potential and living in harmony with the universe. When we do this, we transcend the limitations of the ego and connect with the greater whole, experiencing the profound joy and peace that come from living in alignment with the divine order.


This deeper understanding of Dharma, Purusharth, and our true nature as part of the cosmic whole invites us to rise above the trivial concerns of everyday life. It encourages us to pursue a life of significance, where our actions are guided by a higher purpose, and our existence is infused with meaning and joy. In this state, we are no longer merely surviving; we are thriving, embracing our true potential, and living a life that is truly in harmony with the universe.


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