Yes, this is true for most of us. However, how many of us are conscious that neither of this is the right approach to life? We need not love what we do nor does it have to be pleasing for others. We have to do what is right for us to do. Period.

RIGHT FOR US and not just right. Because what is right for you may not be right for me. We realise that, right? But do we know then how to know what is right for you and what is right for me. Once we have the understanding, we will be able to see things in the right perspective.

Simply put my duty is what is right for me. Duty is not the role given in an organisation or what we call as job. Duty is what is referred to in our ancient scriptures like Bhagavad Gita as DHARMA. Yes, dharma is not religion, dharma is defined as PRESCRIBED DUTY. Basically, that means our duties are prescribed in the scripture (our manual) and we are supposed to act accordingly in life.

Now, if the duty is prescribed, is it the same for all of us human beings? NO. Dharma is based on the Varna (Division) and Ashrama (Stages) of life. We are all born with some innate qualities or characteristics. Based on the characteristics, we belong to one of the four divisions. We need to study ourselves with the help of our elders and figure that out first before learning to read or write A,B,C etc.

Similarly, in life we go through four basic stages (Ashrama) of life. Based on the stage of life one is in, there are certain prescribed duties which brings discipline in life as well. Now, when we know our PURPOSE in life. Finding your calling or purpose is not about knowing which career to opt for only, it is about knowing how to live life of which earning our livelihood is one part for sure.

Living life according to Varnashrama Dharma is the right way to live life in this material world. However, please know that this is just the basic and not the best way of living a human life according to Bhagavad Gita.

Best way is to understand the ultimate goal of life (our JEEVA or SOUL) and pursue that is all circumstances. This calls for transcending Varnashrama Dharma and the material nature comprising of 3 modes of nature (everything is because of interaction between these three modes). This is possible only by gaining spiritual knowledge (Gyana).

Once we have the right spiritual knowledge then we practice that and go through various processes for purification or preparedness to transcend through various stages of yoga and finally through the gates of Bhakti Yoga we connect with our Supreme Creator. Once we are connected, we start serving while we are here and surrender in the process. Then the gates are opened for us to transcend to the spiritual world which is our ultimate goal in life!

If this little blog makes you want to know it all in detail, that is very good. My recommendation as a starting point would be to read Bhagavad Gita. By the way, this has nothing to do with your religious belief. So, all are welcome to read this scripture which is popularly referred to also as one prescribing SANATANA DHARMA  loosely translated as DUTY OF ALL HUMAN BEINGS. Hence, it is almost like a manual by our creator for all of us to read and live accordingly!

Now, there are many versions of this holy scripture available in the market. Hence, that too gets confusing. So, I welcome those interested to read it with me. All are welcome – any age, gender or religion. Only condition is that it is not forced and is something that one has chosen to learn.  I will be happy to share my understanding that I have received from my spiritual master in the last 15 plus years as my humble service to you.

Message me your Skype id or connect with me on Facebook. I intend to start weekly sessions of Bhagavad Gita in Bangalore and either you can attend personally or I will try to stream it live on FB or Skype as well.

Wishing you all a wonderful Friday and hope it helps you to get started with living consciously 🙏😌