Listen to All 8 Parts in a podcast
The Conclusion of an 8 Part Series
Every object has purpose. Some scholars hold the view that only organisms have purpose because organisms evolve towards a goal. The Aristotelian view is that even inanimate objects have purpose and that objects which fulfil their purpose are good. A chair has a basic purpose – to provide a resting place. A better chair could provide a more comfortable resting place. Another chair could add aesthetic value in decorating the place where it is placed. A mountain range could serve to block inclement winds or simply add beauty to the landscape. A pebble could offer shelter for a fish needing a place to lay its eggs. The purpose may be by design, by adaptation or even by substitution. But origin does not define the value of the purpose. The primary value is in the success of the application. Objects with sentience seek to fulfil their purpose, consciously or otherwise.
Realisation has two meanings. The first meaning is to become aware of something. In the context of Dharma, realisation means becoming aware of what our purpose is. We know intuitively that we need to strive for something better. When we realise what that something better is, then we will have a clear target to strive towards. So, the first step in our dharmic learning is to try and understand what we are here for. The second meaning of realisation is to achieve a target. And this is the second goal of our dharmic learning – to strive towards achieving the purpose for which we are here. The four paths of Yoga or Union with the Divinity Within are referred to as paths of Self Realisation – understanding what our purpose is and fulfilling that purpose. By whichever path, the purpose is to become liberated from the illusion of the material world and bask in the bliss of the anandamayakosha.
Satisfaction comes from fulfilment. Whatever the task, whatever the joy derived in performing the task, it is only when the task is completed successfully that one feels satisfaction. But humans continually strive to do more, to become better. It is as if they can never be satisfied, as if they are never fulfilled. This is because, while the drive to become something better comes from within, we are only able perceive what is external and can only strive to achieve goals external to us. This is why, no matter how much we achieve, the nagging feeling remains that we need to do more. While some are more temperate about this internal drive, others become obsessed, often to the point where it begins to impact those around them.
Creatures without sentience have no issues with fulfilling their purpose. They are simply guided by their internal guide and do what is necessary. Humans have a great gift that has the potential to become a great curse – our sentience overrides the internal guide. While we can apply our minds and make logical choices, we are also influenced by emotions which can lead us to make poor choices. Moreover, there are times when even the logical choice can turn out to be the wrong decision because we didn’t have all the facts beforehand. And, in any case, whether the decision was correct or not, we will still have that nagging feeling that we need to do more.
When the time is right, if we open ourselves to it, the necessary learning will come to us. When we become aware that the drive to become better comes from within and we start to seek inwards, we will discover that there is a wealth of material for us to read or videos to watch from which we can learn. While the journey inwards is ultimately a personal journey, reading about the experiences of others who have travelled that journey is helpful. Whether one chooses the path of bhakthi or karma or njana or kriya or any combination of the four paths, the need to decouple from the maya of the material world is paramount.
Everything that happens in the material world is simply following the path of cause and effect. The life that you are living is the lifestream that you chose because it can provide you with the situations you need in order to resolve your karmic baggage. Everything that happens is for a reason, even if you don’t understand the reason. Engage in the world without becoming entangled. Do what you have learned to be the right thing and then move forward. Don’t get caught up with regrets about what happened in the past or worries about what will happen in the future. The present is the gift presented to you where you can choose what you want to do. All you need is to be satisfied that you tried to do what you understood to be the right thing.
Immerse yourself in the focus of your devotion with gladness and rejoice that you have the opportunity to do so. Apply yourself with passion to the tasks that you have chosen or which have been assigned to you and derive joy in performing them. Take the time to ponder upon what you have learned and strive for deeper understanding. If you can meditate, let go of your thoughts and allow your consciousness to flow.
May you be blessed with Realisation of Self.
AUM Shanti.
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