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| Ha! Caught my meal. Image courtesy of my hubby |
Many people may, at some point in their life, ask themselves:
What is the real purpose of life?
Why am I here?
What am I here for?
This goes the same for me. Thus, I ventured into this quest of getting the ultimate answer. I sourced for whatever information I can get my hands on for the past few years: religious, spiritual, scientific or otherwise - whichever makes sense to me, or tugs at my heart-strings. I didn't want a holy answer which I can't understand fully. Neither do I want a stock answer that I've read a hundred times. I want something that works for real people, for everyday people, like me. Something that is not far-fetched and conceptual but something that I can immediately apply in my everyday life.
And here it is. Hope that my research on Purpose of Life can be helpful in any way in your life. Enjoy.
Firstly...
What's the difference between animals and us?
When animals are born, they eat to survive, they mate or create new lives, then they grow old and die. They simply live out their lives fully till it is time to go. They never question about life, about WHY and WHAT they are here for.
So why are humans asking about life? Because we have the awareness and intelligence, and perhaps, too much time, to ponder over it - or rather, worry about it.
Firstly...
What's the difference between animals and us?
When animals are born, they eat to survive, they mate or create new lives, then they grow old and die. They simply live out their lives fully till it is time to go. They never question about life, about WHY and WHAT they are here for.
So why are humans asking about life? Because we have the awareness and intelligence, and perhaps, too much time, to ponder over it - or rather, worry about it.
A very wise spiritual master sums it up perfectly: The need for meaning is only for the mind. Life has no need for meaning. You are alive - that's beautiful, and that's it.
There's a Buddha story about thinking about life itself, or trying to understand life >> It is akin to using a tablespoon to empty the sea, i.e. life is too vast to be understood. Maybe too much for human minds to fully comprehend. You know, you can actually spend decades (or a lifetime even), to study about just one subject. Imagine how much time you need to learn everything about life? A few lifetimes perhaps!
There's a Buddha story about thinking about life itself, or trying to understand life >> It is akin to using a tablespoon to empty the sea, i.e. life is too vast to be understood. Maybe too much for human minds to fully comprehend. You know, you can actually spend decades (or a lifetime even), to study about just one subject. Imagine how much time you need to learn everything about life? A few lifetimes perhaps!
Life is not about what you accumulated in life (certificates, cash, cars, condo, clothes). Sadly, beyond a certain state of accumulation, they don't bring you joy anymore. To me, life is this: when you are leaving or about to leave this world, there's nothing you regret doing or not doing so. It simply means:
You leave happily. Not just live happily.
Isn't it a great ending to begin new life elsewhere? (If there really is reincarnation, that is. Not debating about this here and now). And here's the number one thing that the dying people regret not doing: spending quality time with their loved ones.
You'll never know, your parents, children, and the people dearest to you may be waiting for your call or a visit. Nobody will know when they are going to leave this world (or die). But we should make an effort to get ready to leave this world happily (or at least, leave with no regrets) at all times. Do not keep your joy, love, hugs and kind, loving words to yourself anymore. Give them out today.
On the same vein, the purpose of life is right with-IN you. It's about being passionate in whatever you do, enjoying every moment, and through that, benefitting people around you. This is truly the only way to have a meaningful life.
You simply just cannot live happily by being an angry, resentful person who goes around making others unhappy. Even if it seemingly brings joy initially, that 'joy' will not last long. Your regrets will catch up on you one day.
The best thing you can do every single day of your life is to make positive contributions to the people around you, be it a small or a big contribution. This is the purpose of my life.
On the same vein, the purpose of life is right with-IN you. It's about being passionate in whatever you do, enjoying every moment, and through that, benefitting people around you. This is truly the only way to have a meaningful life.
You simply just cannot live happily by being an angry, resentful person who goes around making others unhappy. Even if it seemingly brings joy initially, that 'joy' will not last long. Your regrets will catch up on you one day.
The best thing you can do every single day of your life is to make positive contributions to the people around you, be it a small or a big contribution. This is the purpose of my life.