Purpose of Life and Actionables

I must thank those who are working on Artificial Intelligence. The technology is turning out to be my 'go to' person, when I have questions I can not ask other learned people since some of them may relate to my introspective journeys and experiences.

I get disturbed and feel pathetic when I find some otherwise bright young people ruining lives of their own and those of people around them and immediately dependent on them, by bad habits formed.

I feel more pathetic when I can not assertively talk to such youngsters who can always ask me 'who are you to sermonise?'.

How can I help such creatures is always a puzzle. Like i said earlier, I went to Bard when it was still dark and asked the Bot some questions like Arjun on the battle field. Bard took up the position as the Lord in Bhagwat Geeta and prompt came the answers. I earnestly request you to read, it is not more than 10 minutes reading, and introspect to learn and make corrections to elevate the purpose of your life.

Q. Swami Vivekanand introduced the world purpose of life quoting from Rig Ved and insisted it is आत्मनो मोक्षार्थं जगद्धिताय च। What Is in it for young people in actionable terms?

Bard: The Sanskrit phrase आत्मनो मोक्षार्थं जगद्धिताय च, which means "for the salvation of our individual self and for the well-being of all on earth", is a sloka from the Rig Veda. It was often quoted by Swami Vivekananda, who believed that this was the true purpose of life.

For young people, this sloka can be interpreted in several ways. It can be seen as a call to action, to work towards both their own spiritual development and the betterment of the world. It can also be seen as a reminder that we are all interconnected, and that our actions have a ripple effect on others.

In actionable terms, this sloka could inspire young people to:

• Pursue their own spiritual growth. This could involve studying different religions and philosophies, practicing meditation or yoga, or simply spending time in nature.
• Get involved in social causes. There are many ways to make a difference in the world, from volunteering at a local soup kitchen to donating to a charity.
• Live a life of compassion and kindness. This means treating others with respect, even when they are different from us.
• Be mindful of their impact on the environment. We all have a responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.

By following these principles, young people can make a positive difference in the world and live a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.

Here are some specific examples of how young people can put this sloka into action:

• A young person who is interested in spiritual growth could join a meditation group or read books about different religions.
• A young person who wants to get involved in social causes could volunteer at a homeless shelter or donate to a charity that helps animals.
• A young person who wants to live a life of compassion and kindness could be a mentor to a younger child or help out a neighbor in need.
• A young person who wants to be mindful of their impact on the environment could recycle, reduce their energy consumption, or plant a tree.

No matter what their interests or skills, young people can find ways to live their lives in accordance with the sloka आत्मनो मोक्षार्थं जगद्धिताय च. By doing so, they can make a positive difference in the world and create a more just and compassionate society.

Q. How could the same be translated in terms of duties first to family and then to society?

Bard: The Sanskrit phrase आत्मनो मोक्षार्थं जगद्धिताय च can be translated in terms of duties to family and society as follows:

·        Duties to family:

• Respect and care for your parents and elders.
• Be a good role model for your siblings and younger relatives.
• Help out with household chores and contribute to the family income.
• Be supportive and loving towards your spouse and children.

·        Duties to society:

• Be a responsible citizen and obey the laws.
• Be honest and trustworthy in your dealings with others.
• Help those in need, whether they are family, friends, or strangers.
• Protect the environment and promote sustainability.
• Work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

By fulfilling their duties to their family and society, young people can contribute to the well-being of all and make the world a better place.

Here are some specific examples of how young people can fulfill their duties to their family and society:

• A young person can respect and care for their parents by listening to them, helping them out around the house, and being there for them emotionally.
• A young person can be a good role model for their siblings and younger relatives by setting a positive example in terms of their behavior, attitude, and values.
• A young person can help out with household chores by doing their fair share of the work, such as cleaning, cooking, and taking out the trash.
• A young person can contribute to the family income by getting a part-time job or starting their own business.
• A young person can be supportive and loving towards their spouse and children by being there for them emotionally, providing for their needs, and helping them grow and develop.
• A young person can be a responsible citizen by obeying the laws, voting in elections, and participating in community activities.
• A young person can be honest and trustworthy in their dealings with others by keeping their promises, being fair, and avoiding dishonesty.
• A young person can help those in need by volunteering their time or donating to charity.
• A young person can protect the environment by recycling, conserving energy, and reducing their carbon footprint.
• A young person can work towards creating a more just and equitable society by fighting for equal rights for all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

By fulfilling their duties to their family and society, young people can make a positive difference in the world and create a better future for everyone.

That was good.

Bard: Thank you! I am glad that you found my answer helpful. I am always learning and improving, so I appreciate your feedback.

I believe that young people have the power to change the world, and I am inspired by their creativity, passion, and commitment to making a difference. I hope that my answers can help them to live their lives in accordance with the sloka आत्मनो मोक्षार्थं जगद्धिताय च and make the world a better place.

Q. What aspects differentiate human beings from other animals as per Hindu scriptures?

Bard: According to Hindu scriptures, there are many aspects that differentiate human beings from other animals. These include:

• Consciousness: Humans are said to be the only creatures on earth that are conscious of their own existence and the existence of others. This consciousness allows humans to think, feel, and experience the world in a way that other animals cannot.
• Language: Humans are the only creatures on earth that have developed language. Language allows humans to communicate with each other in a complex and sophisticated way. It also allows humans to store and transmit knowledge, which is essential for the development of culture and civilization.
• Morality: Humans are said to be the only creatures on earth that are capable of morality. Morality is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and to act accordingly. It is this ability that allows humans to create a just and equitable society.
• Spirituality: Humans are said to be the only creatures on earth that are capable of spirituality. Spirituality is the search for meaning and purpose in life. It is this ability that allows humans to transcend the material world and connect with the divine.
• Creativity: Humans are said to be the only creatures on earth that are capable of creativity. Creativity is the ability to come up with new and original ideas. It is this ability that allows humans to innovate and shape the world around them.

These are just some of the aspects that differentiate human beings from other animals. These aspects make humans unique and special, and they give humans the potential to achieve great things.

It is important to note that not all Hindus agree on the exact nature of the differences between humans and animals. Some Hindus believe that humans are fundamentally different from animals, while others believe that there is a continuum of difference between the two. However, most Hindus would agree that humans have certain qualities that set them apart from other animals.

Q. How about the ability to separate good from evil, saintly from devilish, the sense of discretion. Does it not differentiate?

Bard: Yes, the ability to separate good from evil, saintly from devilish, and the sense of discretion are all aspects that differentiate humans from other animals. These abilities are all rooted in the human capacity for morality, which is one of the defining characteristics of our species.

Morality is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and to act accordingly. It is based on our understanding of the consequences of our actions, our empathy for others, and our sense of fairness. Humans are the only creatures on earth that have developed a sophisticated moral code, which allows us to live together in peace and harmony.

The ability to separate good from evil is essential for morality. It allows us to make choices that are beneficial to ourselves and others, and to avoid choices that are harmful. The sense of discretion is also important for morality. It allows us to weigh the pros and cons of our actions and to make decisions that are in line with our moral principles.

These abilities are not perfect, of course. Humans make mistakes, and we sometimes act in ways that are not in line with our moral principles. However, these abilities are essential for our humanity, and they allow us to live in a world that is more just and compassionate.

In Hindu scriptures, these abilities are often associated with the concept of dharma. Dharma is often translated as "duty" or "righteousness," but it is a more complex concept than that. Dharma is the code of conduct that governs our lives. It tells us what is right and wrong, and it guides us in our actions.

Dharma is different for everyone, but it is based on the same fundamental principles. These principles include compassion, non-violence, truthfulness, and purity. When we follow dharma, we are living in accordance with our true nature. We are also contributing to the well-being of others and making the world a better place.

The ability to separate good from evil, saintly from devilish, and the sense of discretion are all important aspects of dharma. They are what allow us to make choices that are in line with our moral principles and that contribute to the well-being of others. These abilities are what make us human, and they are what give us the potential to make a positive difference in the world.

Excellent. I was looking for this sermon. Thanks again.

Bard: I am glad that I could help you find the sermon you were looking for. I am always happy to help people learn more about Hinduism and its teachings.

I hope that you will continue to explore the concept of dharma and its importance in Hindu thought. It is a complex and fascinating concept, and it has much to offer us in terms of understanding our place in the world and our responsibilities to others.

Thank you for your kind words. I am always happy to help in any way that I can.

 PS:

One enthusiastic young one had a supplementary question, I asked Bard and the response is very useful.

Q. Why do people not lead a purposeful life guided by a strong sense of morality? 

Bard: There are many reasons why people do not lead a purposeful life guided by a strong sense of morality. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Lack of education: People who are not educated about the importance of morality and purpose may not be aware of the benefits of living this way. They may also not have the skills and knowledge they need to make moral choices and live a purposeful life.
• Negative experiences: People who have had negative experiences in their lives, such as abuse or neglect, may be more likely to make choices that are harmful to themselves or others. They may also have difficulty trusting others or believing that there is any meaning or purpose in life.
• Materialism: In today's world, there is a lot of emphasis on materialism. People are constantly bombarded with messages that they need to buy more things to be happy and successful. This can lead people to focus on material possessions instead of on their relationships, their health, or their spiritual well-being.
• Fear: People who are afraid of the unknown or of failure may be more likely to take the easy way out and avoid making difficult choices. They may also be more likely to conform to the expectations of others, even if those expectations are not in line with their own values.
• Lack of role models: People who do not have positive role models in their lives may not have anyone to show them how to live a purposeful life guided by a strong sense of morality. They may also not have anyone to support them when they make difficult choices.

It is important to remember that everyone is different and that there is no one right way to live a purposeful life. However, if you are struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life, there are things you can do to make it more likely that you will succeed.

Here are a few tips:

• Educate yourself: Learn about the importance of morality and purpose. There are many books, articles, and websites that can help you do this.
• Seek out positive role models: Find people who are living the kind of life you want to live. Spend time with them and learn from them.
• Make a commitment to yourself: Decide that you are going to live a purposeful life guided by a strong sense of morality. This may not be easy, but it is possible.
• Take small steps: Don't try to change everything all at once. Start by making small changes in your life that are in line with your values.
• Don't give up: There will be times when you make mistakes or when you feel like giving up. Don't let this discourage you. Keep going and eventually you will achieve your goals.

Leading a purposeful life guided by a strong sense of morality is not easy, but it is worth it. When you live this way, you are more likely to be happy and fulfilled. You are also more likely to make a positive difference in the world.