The Purpose of Life!

One question is perennial during my talks, workshops and coaching sessions.

People want to know what their purpose is. Some want to know what their ‘true purpose’ is.

Behind this question is the notion that there is, somewhere out there, something that they need to do or find. Something that is the ‘reason’ for their existence.

If they could somehow ‘find’ it, then their life would be full of meaning and joy.

Many believe that this purpose includes ‘helping others’ or ‘giving back’ or ‘doing good in the world.’

Not so. Not so. Not so!

The purpose of life is to BE. Just that. Nothing more, nothing less.

You don’t have to be anything. Least of all to be a do-gooder.

Ramana Maharshi used to dissuade people who came to him with ideas about how to change the world and help others. Basically, he said “There is a higher power that created the world. That power is fully capable of managing its creation. Use your time and effort to discover who YOU are. That is all you need to do.”

There is an unrecognized and subtle ego manifestation in the very notion that you will ‘help others’ or ‘do good’ or ‘make the world a better place’.

And this is a cunning way that the mind uses to get you thinking about the world outside and what your puny efforts are accomplishing.

Instead, focus on your inward journey.

You are not this body, mind, intellect complex that is trying to find its purpose. You are Pure Awareness masquerading in this role.

Keep this in your mind at all times.

You will forget. Sometimes you will forget within seconds of making such a determination. And it may take days or weeks before you remember again.

It does not matter.

When you remember, simply go back to the notion that you are pure awareness till you forget again. Repeat this over and over and over and over.

Gradually you will be able to hold on to that thought for long periods. And you will find that you glimpse the Kingdom of Heaven. At that point, you don’t have to do much. That greater power will grab you and take you the rest of the way.

And inexpressible joy will come into your life along with the ‘peace that passeth all understanding.’

It is possible, even likely, that you will be doing stuff that provides succor to many. If so, wonderful! It is happening but don’t think that you are the ‘doer.’ You are merely the UPS guy. You deliver the package, but it does not come from you.

Just BE. That is the purpose of life.

Peace!

If this post resonates with you, then you may wish to consider personal coaching with me. I have an opening for one client who fits this profile. “You are successful, very successful, in the metrics of society – wealth, fame, influence, power and so on. You wish to have an even greater impact on the world. But you also have a spiritual bent and know that life is about more than this. You want more joy and peace in your life. You want to reach orbits of accomplishment you never dreamed of while remaining serene as a Zen Monk.”

If this is you, send me a personal email at [email protected].

Notice that there is a contradiction between my blog, which encourages you to just BE, and the profile of my client who wishes to make a dent in the universe. Resolving this contradiction is part of the coaching journey.