Compiled by
Harsh Pande
Our primary purpose in life is to attain transcendental divine experience, to know That which is beyond the reach of the senses, mind and intellect. That is the supreme goal.
When we take birth in this world we have a situation where we find ourselves in link with two universes.
Prior to our advent into this gross material universe, we did not have this material body, we were not part of this phenomenal material universe. We were in a different state, in a different dimension, subtle, invisible and unmanifest.
Our current state of being conditioned by a name and a form is only for a little while, some years only. THERE IS NO DEFINITE GUARANTEE OF ITS DURATION. It varies from individual to individual.
Therefore, our relationship to the invisible inner universe of the Spirit (“That”) seems to be of a greater importance, more essential and vital than this temporary relationship with this outer material universe (“This”). But we are more aware of “This” than of “That”.
While we say that our relationship to the inner universe is more important, we can’t ignore the outer material universe. You have to face it and do whatever it demands. We have to provide ourselves with Roti, Kapada and Makan. This is facilitated by Artha (money) which is necessary.
But, unlike other creatures, man has a psychological dimension to his nature wherein he has desires, ambitions, plans and schemes. He has a vital personality within which he is thinking, feeling and reasoning being. We must exert to fulfill our desires, ambitions etc., but our ultimate goal is to once again go back to the very source our being where we came from (Moksha Prapti).
The key to happiness, then, seems to lie in balancing these two relationships - to be aware of “This” and “That” at all times.
How is one to achieve this? This is a very good question. The sages said that the only way of achievement is by bringing into every detail of your life, into these two mundane aspects – earning of wealth and the fulfillment of human desires – bringing into this process a quality which harmonizes with the Divinity. This quality is called Dharma (Righteousness).
What is Dharma? It is compassion, kindness, purity, truth, love, wisdom and forgiveness. If we can base our life on Dharma, then we can do whatever we want – ply a trade, do a business, be a farmer, be a doctor. Nothing will come in our way provided we stay on the path of Dharma.
If all we do in this secular world to make a living are in accordance with Dharma, then we have nothing to fear. Dharmo rakshati rakshitah – Dharma protects him who protects it.
Now we are coming to the four-fold values: Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha.
Artha and Kama relate to this mundane world, earning your livelihood and fulfilling your desires. Moksha is the supreme spiritual value which is the true goal of life. But the road to Moksha leads through Dharma. Or Dharma leads to Moksha, whichever way you want to put it. Thus Dharma becomes a fundamental and foundational value.
This discussion so far leads us to a basic philosophy and a process of right kind of living. We engage in Artha and Kama to take care of “This”. But we do it with keeping an eye on Dharma. If we follow the right path, we will attain Moksha. (“That”).
But how are we to know that we are on the right path? There is another quality or virtue that can guide us. It is called Viveka.
What is Viveka? It is knowledge, intelligence and discrimination. “What is conducive to my highest welfare”. There are four kinds of Viveka:
If we perform any action (Karma), we can ask ourselves “Is it in harmony with Viveka?” If the answer is Yes, we move forward. If the answer is No we better think twice about it. There is a nice prayer that underscores the virtue of Viveka”
From the unreal, lead me to the real,
From darkness, lead me to the light,
From death lead me to Immortality
The last virtue that we want to touch upon is “Vairagya”. Vairagya is non-attachment. There is a nice Shloka in Bhagvat Gita about this:
Karmanyey va dhi ka raste ….. (Chapter-2, No. 47)
“As for you, do the work that comes to you – but don’t look for the results. Don’t be motivated by the fruits of your actions, nor become attached to inaction.”
Most of our unhappiness comes from getting attached to something, to some desired result, to expect something. Vairagya implies that you do your best, you give your best effort (Abhyasa) and leave the results to Him. Don’t get attached to it.
Guiding principles:
Artha, Kama, Dharma, Moksha
Viveka, Abhyasa-Vairagya
Adopted from “Bless is Within” (Chapter “Vedic Culture”) by Swami Chidananda, A Divine Life Society Publication, 1991.