Why is my life empty and meaningless? — Part two
Why is my life falling apart, dull, miserable, empty, and ultimately meaningless?
Please click here for part one.
Is there a solution?
So, what is the real purpose of life? And if there is a purpose, how can one achieve that in a happy and peaceful state?
Let me quote you Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 71
विहाय कामान्य: सर्वान्पुमांश्चरति नि:स्पृह: |
निर्ममो निरहङ्कार: स शान्तिमधिगच्छति || 71||
A person who is free from the senses and abandons ownership of wealth, possessions, desire, pleasure, pride, and values and still works for the welfare of others without longing, without the sense of ‘l-ness’ and ‘my-ness in life without any attachment, can indeed find peace.
Ok, that does sound a bit complicated, so let’s make it easy to digest.
According to Sanatan Dharma, there are four Purusharthas —
Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), Dharma (righteousness), and Moksha (liberation).
In our life, as we practice Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Dharma (righteousness) without I-ness, we reach Moksha (liberation). Seriously, that is the answer we all are looking for. That is the true purpose of our life. Every religion, every saint, every spiritual guru (real or fake), and every enlightened one is giving us the same message. The paths could vary, rituals could be different, and the looks and styles of every God or not-God could be diverse.
We need to look beyond the duality and see the oneness in all.
What does that even mean? Maybe you are not looking for liberation. You are comfortable with your lifestyle and wish to welcome a sense of everlasting peace and happiness. You have understood that worldly happiness is limited and the world doesn’t offer much peace.
Simple solution — embrace these three assets/tasks.
Ok, here are the three assets you can acquire to reach the state of happiness, peace, and bliss in your life. It is not complicated; everyone and anyone can do this.
Gratitude: Since childhood, the first lesson we learn is to say please and thank you. We are familiar with the concept of gratitude. We need to continue it. Be grateful to nature for allowing us to share this earth, and show your gratitude to the person who opens the door for you. Give a smile to a stranger. Be thankful to those who helped you and those who didn’t. If you believe in God, instead of throwing a “want list” at him/her, show such gratitude and say, “thank you for all I have.” I am sure God will appreciate your ‘thank you gesture’ instead of wants and begging.
Compassion: The core of human nature; we have learned to avoid it. Self-discipline and persistence will awaken our compassion within us. Start with performing a small act of kindness every chance you get. Be kind to the one who has less than you. Try to maintain the same state of service, not just when you are calm but also when you are frustrated, mad, or stressed. Be compassionate to your loved ones, your enemy, your dear ones, and those you hate. Be kind to the stranger, understand and know their needs. Try to forgive the errors you see; maybe your view of errors is not the same as someone else. There are many fights and hate due to different looks, religions, country borders, and language variations. Let’s try to be forgiven and compassionate to all and ourselves. Yes, forgive yourself, and be kind to yourself too.
Detachment: This is challenging, but nothing comes easy, right? Yes, it is a complex task, and loads of effort are required, but I know you are a committed, strong being and your final goal of experiencing internal joy and peace is of far greater importance to you. You may continue your job, business, work, hobbies, and other activities. Work wholeheartedly with passion and love, and continue to do the best you can; it’s your every right, but try not to get attached to the outcome of your action/work. Have no expectations from anyone. If you practice detachment with awareness and learn to live in the preset, you will gain peace and happiness/joy beyond your expectations.
Note
Maintaining a lifestyle of gratitude, compassion, and detachment with solid self-discipline will assure you peace and happiness/joy. Now the choice is yours. As I said earlier, you will not find happiness and peace in the world, nor will anyone love you unconditionally. You will find pure love, joy, and blissful peace as you merge in the ocean of compassion and gratitude within you. Spread love and kindness in the world, and serve others with all your heart with detachment. It’s all in you; all you need is self-discipline and determination.
Know that life is neither meaningless, empty, dull, nor painful. My lovely brother and sisters reach the divinity in you; it’s waiting for you for eternity. It’s time to claim your identity: love, peace, and respect.
