The Purpose of Life: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Enlightenment
The Purpose of Life: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Enlightenment
Our journey into understanding the fundamental questions of life often begins with the enigmatic inquiries of our origins and purpose. This exploration is not merely philosophical musings but a quest for profound personal and spiritual growth. In this article, we delve into the introspective and transformative journey that humanity has undertaken for thousands of years, seeking answers to the unanswerable questions that Who am I?, Why was I born?, and What is the purpose of life?
Philosophical Insights into Life's Purpose
Some believe that a simple act between two individuals—often referred to as "doing the mambo" or procreation--resulted in the birth of a new life. Others suggest more whimsical explanations, such as a story of a stork delivering the baby. The truth remains elusive, much like the reasons for our existence. It’s a question that has puzzled minds throughout history, with no clear or universally accepted answer.
My own philosophy is that God, if it exists, is one of us. God created everyone and everything in an attempt to alleviate loneliness, a reflection of being alone within an imaginary world. This absence of a “real” others leads to an existential paradox: while we may perceive suffering, from God's perspective, it might not exist. This loneliness, manifesting in the aging and eventual death of our physical bodies, is a reflection of our creator's solitary state.
A Search for Purpose
The search for meaning and purpose is a lifelong endeavor. Many seek answers to these fundamental questions to gain clarity and direction. For me, such inquiries emerged 30 years ago but were only answered six years ago, courtesy of my Guru Swami Sukhabodhananda Prasanna. This journey into the depths of one's self is not without risk; without proper guidance, it can be harmful. It is essential to proceed with caution, taking small steps each day and fulfilling our obligations, as these are central to our lives.
The Soul's Journey
The soul, not matter, drives our existence. From one life to the next, our soul carries forward energy and information, known as karma, that shapes our future lives. The quantum of energy our soul possesses and the nature of the information it carries determine the body it will be born into in the next incarnation. Higher energy souls can enter bodies with more senses and greater brain capacity, while lower energy souls will inhabit bodies with fewer senses and less brain capacity.
Personal Growth and Enlightenment
Based on this belief, the primary purpose of my life and why we were born is to increase our energy by nurturing positive emotions and letting go of negative ones such as hate, jealousy, and resentment. Chanting mantras is a Hindu practice that also helps in this process. Additionally, we are born to realign and transform the information stored in our souls to remove any guilt or negative karma from past lives, ensuring that it does not carry forward to our next life.
In conclusion, the journey of self-discovery and enlightenment is an ongoing process. It requires introspection, a guide or mentor, and a commitment to personal growth and spiritual evolution. The answers to these profound questions may never be completely satisfying, but the pursuit itself can lead to greater understanding, peace, and fulfillment.