Inner Practice: What is the Purpose of Life
On my recent trip to Hubballi, I had a coffee conversation with my friend. And I decide I shall transcript what we have discussed here in my blogs.
The conversation is mind intriguing and good to ponder over. Maybe it can even change your life, for the better.
Question 1: What is the Purpose of Life
Sonam: I don’t think there is a purpose of life. I don’t, really. We get that question a lot. Like what is the purpose of life. I usually think that there is not THE purpose of life out there. Purpose of life, we need to create for ourselves. It is not out there. I think for every individual, the purpose of life is very different. For me, is something else. For you, maybe is happiness. As we were saying last night, you are a doctor, helping people, so maybe your purpose of life for you could be make a community healthy, happy, a little bit happier in that way. For me, my purpose of life is just a nice cup of coffee.
Dr XJ: So then do you think you have to go and purposely create the purpose of life, if not you will everyday feel (and question) what is the point of living.
Sonam: I don’t think so. First we need to know about ourselves a little bit better, then things will hopefully be clear. So in that way, you will think, “What should I really do in my life?” Should I make myself richer, healthier? Or at the same time, should I help others to be happier, healthier, richer? If we try think towards that, hopefully anyone can find their purpose of life. Hopefully.
Dr XJ: So it is not that you have to actively go and find (the purpose of life) but it is more of you need to understand yourself first, and the purpose will come by itself.
Sonam: Also your purpose of life could be something very big, or it could be small one. Even with a cup of coffee, you give it to someone else who really need that cup of coffee, even that could be (the purpose of life).
Dr XJ: To make others feel comfortable.
Sonam: And to make oneself happier (that could be the purpose of life).
You know there is a really interesting scientific research saying that I like to have a cup of coffee, drinking a cup of coffee makes me more comfortable, feel better. But instead of drinking by yourself, giving that cup of coffee to someone else who is really in need (of that cup of coffee), that makes you happier.
In neuroscience we talk about serotonin.
Dr XJ: Serotonin is a feel good hormone?
Sonam: Serotonin is not a feel good hormone, it is closer to happiness. So giving that cup of coffee to someone else (who is really in need) gives you more serotonin. But not only serotonin, it is just an example. So the happiness level between drinking that cup of coffee yourself and giving to someone else, the happiness level is higher when you give that cup of coffee to someone else.
Dr XJ: So then that’s the purpose of life? To make yourself happy first?
Sonam: Yes, make yourself happy and you can do better in helping others too.
Further Reading:
Being Single and Childless is not a Tragedy
Sign Before Major Life Breakthrough
You Do Not Want Love, Actually
If You are Having a Hard Time Now
If You Are Having a Hard Time Now
Spirituality is Physics, Acupuncture is Science
Everything you need to know about Acupuncture
Holistic Treatments for High Functioning Anxiety
The Grass is Not Always Greener on the Other Side
Everything you need to know about Acupuncture
Testimonial for Sleep Improvement
Facial Acupuncture - How to differentiate the real deal from the fakers
