Have you ever woken up and wondered, “what is the meaning of all this”? It’s a common experience which is worth delving into, but more commonly, this small opening or glimpse into a life of meaning is quickly suppressed and one moves onto the next task. In doing so, we may miss the whole purpose of life. We miss the purpose of our whole existence and we get smashed up and down by the pleasures and pains of life.

The ancient Vedic mystics from the far East looked into this question deeply and succinctly created the 4 objectives of human life, known as the Purusharthas. Everything we do in our lives fits into this scheme which includes dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

The most important of these and the fundamental guiding principle is that of dharma. Dharma can be broadly translated as truthful or right way of living. Though it includes ethics and morality it is much broader than that. Of greatest importance is knowing who you are, knowing what your path is, and accepting your life purpose. This takes some maturity of mind, clarity of thinking, and non emotional logic. Doing what you are “meant to do” allows you to live in a “flow state”. Excess focus on pursuits that are not part of your blueprint, destiny or fate will only serve to take you away from happiness, peace and contentment. Know oneself and follow your truth.

Artha refers to material possessions. It is perfectly reasonable to acquire as long as it is done according to dharma (rightful means). A roof over your head, clothes on your back, enough money for food and to look after one’s family all come under the category of artha. How much is enough? That is for each and every individual to look into according to one’s own needs and requirements. Those that are fortunate enough to be blessed with more than required have the opportunity to help those less fortunate. Let’s face it, life is a lottery of chance. You maybe born into a wealthy family and have every opportunity or you maybe born into dysfunction and be on the back foot all one’s life. Life is not fair, but we all have to play the cards we are dealt in the best and most intelligent way.

You will be familiar with the term kama from kamasutra. Kama relates to worldly pleasures and these include desires of sexual pleasure as well as those of taste. They are all considered natural and normal, need to be satisfied according to dharma, but should not become the entire purpose of life. When your happiness depends on kama, you live a very shaky existence. At some stage your desires will not be fulfilled, resulting in pain, unhappiness and discontment. It is indeed a wise soul that understands not to rest their happiness purely on material pleasure alone.

Finally…moksha. Though it means salvation, nirvana or enlightenment, in reality moksha is not a destination. It is more like a space or cocoon that you live in whilst you travel through the journey of life. Don’t consider moksha as another item that needs to be ticked off as whilst you maintain this desire, moksha will never happen. Moksha comes only when the desire for moksha has vanished!

Paradoxical… yes!

Beware also those that claim “to know” and those who stand in judgement over what is “spiritual, holy, or something similar”. Self proclaimed “enlightened beings” who make statements about other individuals “state of consciousness” may have attained some level of awareness, but it’s better keep a healthy level of suspicion of those who proclaim, forecast or predict.

You are your best guide!

You come with an inbuilt GPS that can guide you in the best way. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.

Hope all that’s not too heavy! It’s really just practical wisdom from the eastern spiritual traditions that is publically available and accessible to all.

Be Well!