Saturday, November 05, 2011

Purpose of Life

We all are born to this Earth, with a life, and a human life, that is "conscious-of-self" and can "think". What is this Life constituted of, is a deep question. But at the most basic level, it is the body, mind and soul. Where the boundary of one ends and the other begins, is the "deep" part...
But the bigger question is why is it what we have. And whether or not we were born before, why are we now born as humans who can think and realize. Again a difficult question to which religions and cultures have tried to provide answers. Their opinions cast a deep influence during our upbringing, but the more discerning ones among us, do rightly introspect. Perhaps there is no absolute answer, but as Swami Mukundanandaji pointed out in one of his talks: If you assert that there is no absolute truth as being true, then how can that assertion itself be true!
Suffice then to say that Life seems to be bent upon keeping the mystery of creation to itself. This is even seen in the very nature of the Universe, where a beginning of time and space seems to end in Infinite. What we believe is, but, just that: Our beliefs! And so it is important to equally regard those of others.

But the very fact that we are born with these set of capabilities which made us rule the Earth over other life forms, shows we are here for a purpose, and one that already is taking its course. The instinct to survive and procreate is in all living beings, so what led humans to go beyond and make all these developments in governance and science? There is no single visionary who guided us, for our life-time was kept short. And yet our very qualities ensured we settled our differences in race and human-codes (religion/culture/language) over centuries of generations, and built nation-states. Not at all hinting that we are done, for we can see the constant struggle of humans for their wants, at the level of the individual to those of economies and armies. Yet we have come a long way, and regardless of an individual contribution, we will continue to go forward (to what end, is part of the mystery).

This is not to suggest that each of us is not important. Of course we are. I for one consider each word I type, this output of my thought, will live on. And not just in databanks, but memories through life and souls that will be reborn.
But what I am leading to is that it is hence important to heed our calling. Not worry if we are doing our bit for our family or nature or society. But firstly if we are doing our bit for our Self. Simply put, what do I Love to do! And am I doing it? The rest just falls in place. The lessons are all there, in the very cyclical nature of seasons. Nothing will happen in a hurry, but will take its time. So too should you and I ensure balance, but stick to our calling. In that sense, I also agree with the Hindu way of Life of the 4 "ashrams" in life; and the purpose or role you serve in each stage of life. The greatest monarch to the worst authoritarian each served his purpose, and reached their zeniths for their stuck to their purpose. In the canvas of Infinite Life, they all served their purpose. In the deepest treatises on Ravana, most difficult to comprehend, is said that he abducted Sita and did not touch her. Yet fought the war with Rama. For his ultimate goal had always been to die at the hands of Vishnu...

So our purposes will unfold, if we identify our calling(s) and follow it with joy. When RD started loving music or Kishore singing, don't think they knew their purpose was to leave behind evergreen memories. But from the life histories of these stalwarts and those of so many, I think you serve your life's purpose in a span of 10years. Yes, for 10 consecutive years in his whole life, a man gives his best, and plays his part in the scheme of Infinite Life. The rest of his lifetime is either struggling to get there or thereafter living on laurels or getting jaded. So just be sure that the purpose you are here for is bound to get fulfilled, so rather just do what you love doing!

This also alludes that while a person might be a genius in what he loves to do, he may be most incorrect in all other actions. And since there is no way in human-law to punish the act and not the person yet, well choose to kill his freedom. Not that nature's law of Karma wouldn't have. Anyways, hero-worship should be an absolute No. They may be geniuses in what they do, and we do applaud; but so are we in what we do, whether they know it or not!

As for my purpose: My interests lie in problem solving (mathematics, puzzles, analysis), music, poetry, physical effort and arranging stuff. I work in IT with domain backgrounds in banking and manufacturing supply chain. And gelling my interests with my work, I feel my calling is to be good in Supply Chain Management. That one day I'll be so good that you put me in any industry, I will analyze and make efficient its Supply Chain. My output will be a work of art! The very thought pumps me up, so I know this is what I want to do! I work towards it, let's see how it turns out!

All the best with yours!!

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