The Eternal Quest for Purpose
The Eternal Quest for Purpose: the role of spiritual guidance in human life
From the dawn of humanity, individuals have pondered the profound questions of existence: Why are we born? What is the purpose of our life? Where do we go after death? This search for meaning has been a constant companion throughout the ages, manifesting in both our practical and spiritual pursuits.
In the early stages of life, humans engage in a continuous process of learning. From learning how to walk, talk, eat and dress, these fundamental skills are imparted by our parents, who nurture us with love, care, and patience. Parents serve as the primary teachers, laying the groundwork for our survival and protection.
As we grow, the scope of our learning expands. Humanity has always been on a relentless journey of improvement and development, seeking ways to make life safer and more comfortable. We learned how to construct houses, harness electricity, provide water and install heating and cooling systems. These advancements aim to enhance our material security and comfort.
To enable this, societies have established comprehensive education systems, which give knowledge, skills and techniques necessary to secure material well-being and comfort. Education is a collaborative effort, requiring expert teachers to pass on their knowledge.
At every life stage, the presence of a teacher is indispensable. The knowledge acquired is utilised to earn a livelihood, ensure food, shelter and pleasure, and to care for our families and possessions. However, is this material pursuit the sole purpose of our existence? Are we born only to acquire practical knowledge and skills that serve our worldly needs and desires?
Just as we need teachers to guide us in our practical lives, we also need guidance to understand the higher purpose of human existence. A spiritual teacher or guru, who has realised this higher purpose within themself can illuminate the path for us. The metaphor of the Sun's rays touching the Earth and bringing light that dispels the darkness, captures this very essence. Without the light of knowledge, we remain in ignorance and cannot perceive reality.
A guru illuminates the path to our true self, guiding us toward Self-realisation. Much like the Moon, which transitions through phases to reach its fullness, we also possess an inherent completeness that often remains obscured. We are part of the Divine, though we may not be aware of it. All of Creation − humans, animals, and plants − originates from a single source. Humans, endowed with the highest intellect and empathy, are entrusted with the responsibility to protect all living beings and the environment. Ultimately, at the end of our journey, we will all reunite with that One.
Gurupurnima, the festival dedicated to spiritual teachers, reminds us of the significance of this aspect of our learning process. It celebrates the guru's role in our journey towards understanding our higher purpose and realising our true self. Just as the practical aspects of life require dedicated learning and guidance, so too does our spiritual evolution.
The pursuit of knowledge and skills for material security and comfort is an important part of human life. However, it is not the entirety of our existence. The guidance of a spiritual teacher is equally vital in leading us to understand our higher purpose and our correlation with all creation. Embracing both aspects of learning, we can strive towards a balanced and fulfilling life, recognising that we are part of a greater whole.
Yoga in Daily Life upholds a long-standing tradition of spiritual teachers known as the Sri Alakhpuriji Siddha Peeth Parampara, including the current successor of the lineage, Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Sri Swami Maheshwarananadaji, respectfully known as Vishwaguruji.
For centuries, these gurus have passed down divine knowledge from master to disciple. Each year, the full moon day of Ashadha according to the Indian Vedic calendar (July/August in the Western calendar), is celebrated as Gurupurnima, a day dedicated to wisdom and enlightenment. This sacred day is honoured in all Yoga in Daily Life ashrams worldwide, with the largest celebration held at OM Ashram in India, led by Vishwaguruji.
This year Gurupurnima falls on 20-21 July and Vishwaguruji sends the following message to all.
For more information about Gurupurnima Celebration 2024, please visit the websites: OM Ashram and Vishwaguruji.