Life offers us countless opportunities, yet most of us drift through it without ever questioning our ultimate purpose. According to Swami Mukundananda, life’s greatest tragedy is not death but a life lived without direction or meaning. Through his profound teachings, Swamiji emphasizes the need to rise above mundane pursuits and discover the higher purpose that makes human life extraordinary.
Human Life: A Rare and Precious Gift
Amongst the vast diversity of 8.4 million species, human beings hold a uniquely elevated position. Unlike other forms of life, we are endowed with two exceptional faculties that make us distinct and capable of achieving far more than mere survival:
1. Knowledge and Intellect
Humans possess the ability to reflect deeply on the nature of existence, a faculty absent in animals and other species. This intellectual capability allows us to:
- Contemplate the purpose of life: While animals act instinctively to meet their needs, humans can question their actions, evaluate their motivations, and strive for meaning beyond physical survival.
- Pursue self-awareness: Through introspection and learning, humans can uncover their true essence, explore philosophical truths, and seek enlightenment.
- Choose and define goals: With an understanding of life's transient nature, humans can set long-term, purpose-driven objectives that extend beyond material pleasures.
This faculty of intellect empowers us to discern right from wrong and pursue paths aligned with higher values. It is this ability that enables human beings to unlock the profound secrets of life and existence, as revealed in sacred texts and spiritual teachings.
2. Free Will
The second defining faculty of human life is free will, which grants us the power to make choices that transcend instinct and conditioning. While animals are driven solely by their biological needs and environmental stimuli, humans have the capacity to:
- Consciously direct their actions: We can resist urges, delay gratification, and act in ways that align with our higher purpose.
- Shape their destiny: Through disciplined efforts, humans can rise above their circumstances, overcome obstacles, and create a life of meaning and fulfillment.
- Exercise moral and ethical judgment: Free will allows us to choose virtue over vice, compassion over selfishness, and wisdom over ignorance.
Free will is both a blessing and a responsibility. It places the onus on us to use this power wisely, ensuring that our choices contribute to personal growth and the betterment of society.
The Opportunity and Duty of Human Life
These two faculties—knowledge and free will—bestow immense potential upon human beings, but they also demand a greater sense of responsibility. Swami Mukundananda compares this to the role of a bank manager versus a cashier. While the manager enjoys greater privileges, they are also entrusted with higher duties. If the manager neglects their responsibilities, they lose the perks that accompany their role.
Similarly, if humans fail to utilize their intellect and free will to pursue higher purposes, they squander the unique opportunity of human life. As Swamiji cautions, living solely for bodily pleasures—eating, sleeping, and procreating—reduces our existence to that of lower species. Neglecting the pursuit of self-realization can result in a regression to lower life forms in future births, where the chance for spiritual growth is absent.
Lessons from a Cautionary Tale
On a voyage to the United States, Swami Ram Teerth crossed paths with a young Indian student brimming with pride and ambition. The student, a product of privilege, saw himself as a trailblazer, traveling to a foreign land in an era when such journeys were rare for Indians. With great enthusiasm, he laid out his meticulously planned future.
He spoke of earning an engineering degree, which would secure him a prestigious position in society. He envisioned joining the Indian Civil Service (ICS), a position that would elevate his status and bring him respect. The conversation then shifted to personal aspirations—marrying a beautiful woman, amassing wealth, and enjoying a life of luxury and comfort. He imagined owning a grand house, relishing exquisite meals, and retiring peacefully in his later years.
Swami Ram Teerth listened attentively, allowing the young man to elaborate on his grand plans. But each time the student concluded a phase of his envisioned future, Swamiji gently posed the same question: “What then?”
Initially, the student responded with confidence, stacking one aspiration upon another. But as Swamiji persisted, the young man began to falter. After detailing his retirement plans, he finally conceded, “Then I will die.”
This simple yet profound exchange stripped the student’s ambitions down to their bare essence. It revealed that his carefully crafted life was no more than a sequence of material pursuits, all culminating in the inevitable reality of death. Swamiji’s question, “What then?”, pierced through the superficiality of worldly desires, compelling the student to confront the deeper purpose of existence.
Swami Ram Teerth used this interaction to highlight a fundamental truth: living solely for material pleasures—eating, sleeping, procreating, and accumulating wealth—is no different from the life of animals. Animals, too, partake in these activities, but without the burden or blessing of introspection. A cow grazes contentedly on grass, and a dog sleeps soundly on the earth, untroubled by the complexities of human thought. These actions fulfill their needs, but they do not transcend their instincts.
When humans pursue these same activities as their ultimate purpose, albeit in more refined ways, they squander the unique intellectual and spiritual capabilities that set them apart. Eating from a silver plate instead of grazing grass, sleeping on a plush mattress instead of the ground—these are merely upgraded versions of basic survival instincts.
Swamiji’s lesson is clear: humanity’s superior intellect is not meant to be squandered on polished versions of primal activities. Instead, it should be utilized to transcend them, to explore deeper questions about life, and to strive for higher purposes that align with our spiritual essence. This encounter serves as a timeless reminder to question our ambitions and ensure they lead to lasting fulfillment rather than temporary gratification.
Why We Must Strive for a Higher Purpose
The Kena Upanishad states:
"Strive with all your heart to achieve the higher purpose, or face disaster."
This disaster refers to losing the rare opportunity of human life and being relegated to lower species in subsequent lifetimes. Our human form enables us to ask profound questions like:
- Who am I?
- Why am I here?
- What is the ultimate purpose of my existence?
Ignoring these questions is akin to a traveler wandering aimlessly, as illustrated by the story of the traveler and the bystander. Without clarity of purpose, no path will lead us to meaningful success.
The Power of Purposeful Goals
Scientific studies underscore the transformative power of goal-setting. A 20-year Yale University study found that graduates who had written down their life goals achieved significantly more success—both financially and personally than those without clear objectives. However, Swamiji cautions against setting goals solely for selfish gains.
Instead, he advocates for aligning our goals with a higher purpose. True fulfillment lies in dedicating oneself to a cause beyond personal interests. Such purpose-driven living fosters inner joy, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment that material success alone cannot provide.
Examples of Purposeful Living
- The Processionary Caterpillars
French naturalist Jean-Henri Fabre demonstrated how caterpillars blindly follow the one ahead of them, even if it leads to exhaustion and death. This serves as a metaphor for aimless living. Humans, unlike caterpillars, possess the intellect to break free from repetitive patterns and pursue higher aspirations. - The Centenarians of Okinawa
In Okinawa, Japan, a community known for its longevity, centenarians begin each day with a clear sense of purpose. Their purpose-driven lives not only enrich their community but also significantly enhance their health and well-being.
How to Discover Your Higher Purpose
While adversity often compels individuals to rethink their purpose, curiosity can also ignite this journey. For instance:
- Emperor Ashoka, horrified by the bloodshed of the Kalinga War, transformed his life mission to promote peace and nonviolence.
- Philosophical inquiry into questions like “Who am I?” and “What is my role in the universe?” can inspire spiritual awakening.
Swamiji explains that all aspirations ultimately point to a singular goal: eternal happiness through God-realization. By delving into sacred texts and spiritual practices, we can align ourselves with this divine purpose.
Conclusion: A Life Worth Living
As Swami Mukundananda beautifully puts it, the true success of life lies in discovering and fulfilling our higher purpose. Let us rise above mundane pursuits, embrace our unique human potential, and walk the path of self-realization. By aligning with the divine, we unlock eternal happiness and create a legacy of meaningful living.
Start your transformative journey today by immersing yourself in Swamiji’s teachings and taking the first step towards a fulfilled and purposeful life. Radhey Radhey!
Resources for Self-Realization
To support this quest, Swami Mukundananda offers several tools:
- Books: His masterpiece Spiritual Secrets from Hinduism provides timeless wisdom for navigating life’s challenges and discovering the truth of our existence.
- Bhagavad Gita Krishna Bhakti App: The app features Swamiji’s 30-Day Challenge, offering daily lectures, inspirational quotes, and interactive activities to guide seekers on their spiritual journey.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Life’s Purpose
1: Why is discovering life’s purpose so important?
A: Without a clear purpose, life becomes directionless and unfulfilling. Understanding your ultimate goal brings clarity, joy, and a sense of achievement.
2: Can material success coexist with a higher purpose?
A: Yes, material success can be a byproduct of purposeful living. The key is to align your actions with values that transcend personal gains.
3: How can I start exploring my higher purpose?
A: Begin by reflecting on profound questions like “Who am I?” and “What makes my life meaningful?” Reading spiritual texts and seeking guidance from enlightened teachers can also help.
4: What if I fail to discover my purpose in this lifetime?
A: According to Vedic philosophy, failing to fulfill your higher purpose risks regression into lower life forms, delaying your spiritual progress.
5: How can I stay motivated on the path to self-realization?
A: Surround yourself with inspiring company, engage in spiritual practices, and regularly remind yourself of your ultimate goal through resources like Swamiji’s teachings.
References
- Mukundananda, S. Spiritual Secrets from Hinduism.
- Research on Okinawan Centenarians – Insights into purpose-driven longevity.
- Fabre, J. H. – Study on processionary caterpillars and their implications.