The meaning and purpose of life, as articulated by many of our guests, can be viewed as a journey towards self-realization or the understanding of one's true nature. This journey often involves growth, reflection, healing, learning, and serving others. The purpose may change throughout various stages of life, akin to the Indian concept of 'dharma'.
While some people may find fulfilment in more worldly pursuits like building a successful career or raising a family, the ultimate purpose from a spiritual viewpoint is often seen as realizing our interconnectedness with all that is. It's about uncovering the truth of who we are, beyond our physical form, thoughts, or emotions - the underlying consciousness or awareness that remains unchanging amidst all change.
That said, it's important to understand that everyone has their unique path and dharma. Each person contributes to the larger whole in their unique way, serving as an expression of the Infinite in this world. We can view every moment, every interaction, every challenge, as an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding.
However, recognizing the difference between fleeting experiences and sustained evolutionary stages is crucial. And remember, our understanding or knowledge can change as we evolve in consciousness. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer, but rather a multitude of perspectives reflecting the diversity of human experience.
Remember, paradox and ambiguity are inherent to this journey. Spiritual maturity is often marked by comfort in navigating them. Embrace all aspects of your being and journey with compassion, curiosity and courage.
The sources below helped generate your response ...
- Purpose Of Human Life
Who in this world knows the purpose of the human life?
Why does one attain a human life? As such no one has a clue.
People believe they can enjoy themselves in life. They pray to
God, practice yoga, do penance and renunciation. But in reality
the human body is acquired to purge oneself of ones past
mistakes and misdeeds and settle past accounts. This body has
been acquired to settle each and every circumstances that arise,
with equanimity and to realize the Self.
Kavi has written :
The body that you have acquired, is to rid your misdeeds,
The veil of karma need to be shed to see God.Thought, Speech and Action
Thought, speech and action are all fleeting and changing.
All You have to do is know what kind of thoughts are occurring.
You are not responsible for thoughts that come. Thoughts are
merely sprouting of tubers you had created in your previous life
and that is why they come forth now and this is precisely why
you are not responsible for them in this life. But if you were to
endorse them again in this life, then you will incur a tremendous
liability.
The Self is still and unchanging. Whereas thoughts, speech
and action, are transient and changing. Motion is inherent in
thoughts, speech and action. That which materializes in the
physical form is action. That which springs within is the thought
and that which is vocalized is speech.
Source: unknown_title_1693543003.txt... - And then that's the expression of that first purpose of realizing the truth of who you are. And then there's an expression of that, or many expressions of that, however it works for you. And I can't remember what your original question was.
Rick: I think it was like, what is the meaning and purpose of life, or something like that. I'm just kidding.
Leah: There you go.
Rick: Well, I mean, what comes to mind as you've said that is like the Indian idea of dharma, which is sometimes translated as that activity which is most evolutionary for a person to be performing. And it's thought that different people have different dharmas, and the same person will have different dharmas throughout life. So, you might have a student dharma for a while, and then a householder dharma where you're raising kids, and you might need to have a regular job doing something to support your family. And there's nothing wrong with that, even though you're not like prime minister, or great scientist, or Ludwig van Beethoven or something. You're just sort of doing something that's in keeping with your dharma, and later on your dharma may change yet again. So, you know, obviously people want to be doing something gratifying. I mean, we get these robocalls, I don't know if you have that over there, where the phone rings and it's some guy trying to sell you life insurance or vacation plan or something.
Source: interview_with_leah_cox.txt... - Even though I was going around and seeing all around me, we just go around and make purpose for ourselves,
this is why I am here, this is why I am here, and so on, and so on, but the real purpose is determined and made by the maker, the creator.
So when I say life, I mean literally the greatest power, the greatest creative power that is constantly even creative,
everything around us is constantly functioning, we still breathe, we give up carbon dioxide, and the trees pick that up,
and give us oxygen, and we breathe oxygen, this is just a drop in the ocean of the magnificence and the magic of life,
the functions of our body, our interactions, we eat the food, some energy of it stays in us, and sustains us,
what is in the design of that food, fruits and vegetables, and so on, is so one with us, that is constantly nourished,
you know what I am trying to say, this magnificent thing, life, which is very easy for me to call God,
and it is not a belief system anymore, it is actually knowing, experiencing it every moment, of every day, in every cell of the body.
Source: interview_with_mehrdad_mizani.txt...