Goals of Life

Giving life a meaning

Goals of Life

• What do I want?– Security (artha)

Necessities of life– Happiness (kaama)

Conveniences beyond necessities

– Peace (dharma)Sustainable and equitable security and happiness

How do I attain the Goals?

• Security, happiness, peace• Depend on

– People– Objects– Situations

• Do I really depend on these?• Security, happiness and peace are

attitudes.• I have full freedom about my

attitudes.

I AM FREE !!!

• I don’t depend on– People, objects and

situations

• For my– Security, happiness

and peace

Sounds Too Simple

• Sounds fine in theory.• Is it practical?• I cannot accept it.• Even if I accept it, I

cannot put in practice.

• Tell me something more practical.

Gradual Development

• Where do people find security, happiness and peace?– Physical pleasure– Possessions – amidst

money and objects– Name, fame, power –

amidst people– Knowledge

A Word of Caution

• Pursue your desires, subject to three conditions– Legal and ethical– Moderate – Always keep your

priorities in mind. Don’t let your pursuit of short term desires jeopardize your long term desires.

– Non-binding – Don’t be too attached to the desires. Not all desires can be satisfied. Be ready for some failures.

Two Pursuits

• External development– Pleasure, possessions,

fame, knowledge

• Internal fulfillment– Security, happiness,

peace

Both are needed for a balanced society.

Individual Growth

Pursuit of external development in a legal and ethical way with introspection will lead to an understanding that fulfillment does not come by development.

What Next?

• Sticks and carrots are no longer the motivating factors in my life.

• I seek a different reason to work.

• Ready for …

Karma Yoga

Questions and Answers

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