Discovering Life's Purpose and Ikigai: A Personal Journey

Throughout life, the quest to discover our purpose often becomes a defining force in our daily routines. For many, seeking a meaningful and fulfilling reason to wake up each morning is more than just an existential question; it's a search for personal happiness, self-improvement, and a sense of belonging.

Exploring the Purpose of Life

The purpose of life is not universal but is deeply personalized. For some, it's about financial success and lavish spending, while for others, it's rooted in personal relationships, productivity, or self-improvement. My own journey to find my purpose has been challenging, but a popular book called Ikigai by Hector Gracia has provided valuable insights.

Ikigai is more than just the Japanese concept of a fulfilling life; it's a guide on how to find the reason to live. The book emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. This concept is central to the idea of Ikigai, which can help individuals discover their unique purpose in life.

A Personal Quest for Ikigai

After reading Ikigai, I decided to take a more structured approach to my search for purpose. I began by identifying the things I loved: poetry, cooking, music, and more. Next, I assessed my skills and interests to see where I excelled and could potentially make a living. Then, I considered how my interests and skills could contribute to the world and be recognized for their value.

Although the process was customized for me, it was still difficult to narrow down my options. My interests spanned a wide range, and my skills were varied, making it challenging to pinpoint a singular path. Nevertheless, by following these steps, I hope to bring myself closer to my Ikigai.

The Purpose of Creation and Spiritual Perspective

Additionally, I was inspired by the teachings of Bagavan Buddha, who spoke about the concept of Shoonya or emptiness. According to Buddha, creation itself is an illusion, and the understanding of this emptiness leads to enlightenment. Bagavan Buddha also delved into the idea of Anatma, or the absence of a permanent self, and the impossibility of Abrahma, or the eternal soul outside of the Brahman (the infinite reality).

In Hindu scriptures, the ultimate goal is Moksh, a state of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, achieved through the complete understanding and recognition of the Brahman. The concept of Brhma (the infinite reality) is central to this, as there is no creation, guru, or shisya (student) in the true sense. Additionally, Shivo Aham (I am Shiva) within the understanding of Sri Adi Shankara represents the realization of the Brahman within oneself.

These spiritual insights highlight the idea that the journey of discovery is both profound and spiritual, urging individuals to seek their personal fulfillment and purpose within the larger context of the cosmic reality.

Although I continue to search for my purpose, the journey itself is enriching. The pursuit of Ikigai and the philosophical teachings provide a roadmap that can guide us in our quest. Whether through the lens of personal passion or spiritual enlightenment, the journey towards finding our purpose is one of self-discovery and continuous learning.

Do these insights help in your own journey to find your purpose? Share your thoughts in the comments below.