Real Goal of Life

The question of the real goal of life has puzzled humans since time immemorial. Philosophers, spiritual gurus, and scientists have all attempted to provide answers to this elusive question. Some argue that the goal of life is to achieve happiness, while others believe it is to fulfill a higher purpose or to attain enlightenment. In this article, we will explore the various perspectives on the real goal of life and attempt to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of what it is.

Happiness as the Goal of Life:

One of the most popular views on the goal of life is that it is to achieve happiness. Happiness, in this context, is not merely the absence of sadness but a state of contentment and fulfillment. This perspective is based on the idea that all human beings seek happiness, and every action we take is aimed at achieving this goal.

According to this view, the real goal of life is to find happiness and to live a life that is fulfilling and satisfying. This can be achieved through various means, such as pursuing our passions, developing meaningful relationships, achieving our goals, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

However, this view has been criticized for being too simplistic and reductionist. Happiness is not always easy to define or achieve, and it is not the only thing that humans seek in life. Moreover, the pursuit of happiness can sometimes lead to selfishness and a lack of concern for others.

Purpose as the Goal of Life:

Another perspective on the goal of life is that it is to fulfill a higher purpose or mission. This view is often associated with religious or spiritual beliefs, which hold that every human being has a unique purpose or destiny that they must fulfill in order to live a meaningful life.

According to this view, the real goal of life is to discover one's purpose or mission and to dedicate one's life to fulfilling it. This may involve pursuing a particular career, dedicating oneself to a cause, or devoting oneself to spiritual practices such as meditation or prayer.

This view emphasizes the importance of living a life that is guided by a sense of purpose and meaning. It also emphasizes the importance of contributing to society and making a positive impact on the world.

However, this view has been criticized for being too idealistic and unrealistic. Not everyone may have a clear sense of purpose or mission in life, and even those who do may struggle to achieve it. Moreover, the pursuit of a higher purpose can sometimes lead to neglecting one's own well-being and relationships.

Enlightenment as the Goal of Life:

A third perspective on the goal of life is that it is to attain enlightenment or spiritual awakening. This view is often associated with Eastern spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, which hold that the ultimate goal of human existence is to transcend the limitations of the ego and to realize one's true nature as a spiritual being.

According to this view, the real goal of life is to achieve enlightenment through spiritual practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-inquiry. This involves transcending the ego and realizing that our true nature is pure awareness or consciousness.

This view emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and the development of wisdom and compassion. It also emphasizes the importance of transcending the limitations of the ego and realizing our interconnectedness with all beings.

However, this view has been criticized for being too esoteric and detached from everyday life. Not everyone may be interested in or capable of pursuing spiritual practices such as meditation, and even those who do may struggle to achieve enlightenment. Moreover, the pursuit of enlightenment can sometimes lead to neglecting one's responsibilities and relationships in the world.

A Comprehensive View:

Given these various perspectives on the real goal of life, it is clear that there is no single answer to this question. Each perspective offers valuable insights and can help us to understand different aspects of human existence. However, taken in isolation, each perspective may be limited in its scope and applicability.

A more comprehensive view of the real goal of life may need to take into account all these perspectives and integrate them into a coherent whole. One possible way of doing this is to view the real goal of life as a holistic and multifaceted endeavor that encompasses happiness, purpose, and enlightenment, as well as other important values such as love, compassion, and creativity.

From this perspective, the real goal of life is not to prioritize one value over the others, but rather to find a balance between them that allows us to live a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and spiritually enriching.

For example, pursuing happiness without regard for others may lead to selfishness and a lack of compassion, while pursuing purpose without regard for our own well-being may lead to burnout and stress. Pursuing enlightenment without regard for our responsibilities and relationships in the world may lead to detachment and isolation.

Therefore, a comprehensive view of the real goal of life may involve cultivating all these values in a balanced and integrated way. This may involve:

Pursuing happiness through activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, while also caring for others and contributing to society.

Discovering our purpose or mission in life and dedicating ourselves to it, while also taking care of our own well-being and relationships.

Cultivating spiritual growth through practices such as meditation and self-inquiry, while also engaging in the world and making a positive impact on others.

Ultimately, the real goal of life may be to live a life that is authentic, compassionate, and spiritually fulfilling. This may involve finding a balance between our personal desires and the needs of others, between our individual aspirations and our interconnectedness with all beings, and between our material and spiritual dimensions.

Conclusion:

The question of the real goal of life may never be fully answered, as it is a complex and multifaceted question that depends on various factors such as culture, beliefs, and personal experiences. However, by exploring different perspectives and integrating them into a comprehensive view, we may be able to arrive at a more nuanced understanding of what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Whether we prioritize happiness, purpose, or enlightenment, or whether we seek a balance between them, what is important is that we approach life with curiosity, openness, and compassion, and that we strive to make the most of our time on this earth. By doing so, we may be able to find our own unique path and to contribute to the well-being and flourishing of all beings.