In moments of reflection, it is only natural to wonder what is the true purpose in life and to ask, behind the constant efforts made just in "living", what is it that we are seeking?
In the book "Self Realization", Gnani Purush (embodiment of Self knowledge) Dada Bhagwan reveals the science of Self realization, describing that attaining knowledge of Self is ultimate life purpose, and is the beginning of lasting, permanent happiness. Dadashri explains that all beings continuously seek happiness but can only be satisfied by spiritual happiness.
Whether interested to discover ultimate life purpose, or on a spiritual quest to attain spiritual enlightenment, "Self Realization" is a unique resource.
Excerpt:
[1] What Is the Goal of a Human Life?
This life is all fractured. One does not even know why he is living his life. There is no meaning in a life without a goal. One earns money, enjoys his meals and worries the whole daylong. How can that be the goal of a life? How can this human life not be wasted? After being born as a human being what should one do to attain the goal? If you want happiness of worldly comforts (bhautik sukh) then share with others what you have.
Learn the law of this world in just one sentence. The essence of all the religions of the world is that if you want happiness, give happiness to others and if you want to suffer, give pain to others. Do what is suitable to you. Some will inquire how to help others when they are poor. There are ways to help others even if you are poor. This is by having an obliging nature. You may run chores and errands for him, advise him, etc. There are so many ways to help others.
Two Types of Goals: Worldly and Final
Two types of goals need to be decided. The first is that you have to live your life in such a way that no living being is hurt by you. You have to spend your time in the company of those who promote the attainment of the Self (satsang) and vicinity of good human beings, and avoid bad company (kusang) as much as possible. This should be the aim. And in the second goal, if you happen to meet a living (pratyaksh) Gnani Purush (One who has fully realized the Self and is able to impart the Knowledge of the Self to others; attain Self-realization from Him), then remain in His satsang. With Him, all your goals will be accomplished and all your puzzles will be solved (and one will attain liberation).
Two Stages of Liberation
Questioner: Ordinarily, by liberation (moksha) we mean release or freedom from the cycles of birth and death.
Dadashri: Yes, it is true, but that is the final stage of liberation. It is the secondary stage. The first stage of liberation is where you experience a sense of freedom from inner turmoil secondary to worldly problems and miseries; one experiences indifference towards any worldly pains. In the midst of suffering imposed upon you by others or external factors (upadhi), you experience freedom from suffering and experience the bliss of the Self (samadhi). That is the first stage of liberation.
The second stage of liberation (permanent moksha) is attained when all the karma are completely exhausted (settled) and this is freedom from the cycles of birth and death. The first stage of liberation (moksha) should be attained here and now. I experience this first stage of moksha all the time. Liberation should be such that even while one lives amongst the worldly things, one remains unaffected by them. Such a stage of liberation is possible through Akram Vignan (the spiritual science of the stepless path to Self-realization)!
[2] Attainment of Eternal Bliss through Self-realization
What do all the living beings(jivas) search for? They are looking for happiness, but the happiness is short-lived. People go out to weddings and to the theater for entertainment, but their misery returns again. When unhappiness follows happiness, how can you call it happiness? It is the happiness of delusion. Happiness should be permanent. This is nothing but temporary happiness; an imaginary happiness. What is every soul(atma) searching for? It is looking for happiness; happiness that is eternal. People believe, "It (happiness) will come from this or it will come from that. I will buy this. I will do that, I will build a bungalow, then I will be happy. I will buy a car, then I will be happy." They keep on doing this but no happiness comes their way. On the contrary, they sink deeper and deeper into the mire of pain and confusion. True happiness, bliss, lies within. It lies in the Self itself. Therefore, if you attain the Self, you attain the (eternal) happiness.
Happiness and Misery
Everyone is in search of happiness but without having decided what happiness is. Happiness should be such that it is never followed by any misery. Go find one such happiness in this world. Eternal happiness, bliss, is within you. Your real Self is an abode of infinite bliss and yet you are looking for happiness in temporary things!
