Life’s Purpose – Dharma

Yoga’s ancient teachings clearly describe the four goals of life as its purpose. These goals are:  Dharma (fulfilling your responsibilities); Artha (creating and utilizing wealth); Kama (enjoying pleasures); Moksha (freedom, enlightenment). All four of these goals are essential throughout your life. Without them, you will feel incomplete.

Dharma is you taking care of things – the ones you were born into and those you have chosen. For example, you must take care of yourself, your family, society, neighbors, and co–workers. Beyond merely doing all these things that are expected of you, dharma demands that you do it willingly. Sometimes this can be hard.

Dharma also includes things that come from within – your innate capacities, skills, and talents. You get to chose which you wish to express to the world. Begin by acknowledging that what are you currently doing is your dharma. Dharma brought you to where you are in life. Even if it isn’t your ultimate dharma, embrace it.

At times, you may feel that you are not the right person to be doing what you are doing. That there may be someone who is more knowledgeable, skilled, or talented. The ancient yogic texts states it is better for you do do your own duty imperfectly than the duty of another person even perfectly. You are only responsible for doing the best you can.

This teaching is so beautiful because it says you have to be who you are. It is your dharma. Be a responsible, actively involved, willing participant in life, whether at work, home, or play.

[Source:  Teachings by Swami Nirmalananda Saraswati, spiritual leader and master teacher at Svaroopa® Vidya Ashram in Pennsylvania. (C) 2014, S.T.C., Inc., All right reserved. Svaroopa® is a registered service mark of S.T.C., Inc.