Find your purpose based on Japanese philosophy of IKIGAI and the concept of Dharma in Hinduism

As I dived into my process of self-discovery, I came across these two concepts - Ikigai, which is based on ancient Japanese philosophy, and the concept of Dharma, rooted in the teachings of religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. These philosophies offer profound insights into aligning personal fulfillment with meaningful contribution to the world. Here are some key learnings from these concepts that can guide you towards discovering your Passion, Mission, and Purpose.

Ikigai: Ikigai is a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture and philosophy, particularly associated with the island of Okinawa, known for its high number of centenarians and healthy, active elderly population. The term "ikigai" can be broken down into two parts: "iki", meaning life, and "gai", which translates to worth or value. Together, ikigai is often interpreted as "a reason for being" or "a reason to get up in the morning." This Japanese concept encourages us to find the intersection of what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for. It emphasizes the pursuit of activities that bring joy and fulfillment, while also meeting the practical needs of life. You may want to get a copy of Héctor García and Francesc Miralles's book called "Ikigai" to get enlightened about this life changing philosophy. Highly recommend you download a copy of my worksheet below to help you put this concept into action!

The concept suggests that true fulfillment comes when all these elements converge. It encourages individuals to pursue activities that they are passionate about, that align with their strengths, that contribute to the greater good, and that can sustain them economically. Ikigai is not just about personal happiness but also about finding purpose and meaning in one's daily life.

In essence, discovering one's ikigai involves introspection, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of how these different aspects of life can harmonize to create a sense of fulfillment and well-being. It's a concept that continues to resonate globally as people seek more meaningful and purposeful lives.

Dharma: In Hinduism and Buddhism, Dharma refers to the moral and ethical path, one's duty and purpose in life. It involves understanding and fulfilling one's role in the cosmic order, contributing positively to the world and society. Dharma is a complex concept and there are several different meanings of the word. As per some sources Dharma is one's highest purpose and soul's calling. During my research the model that I was able to most easily resonate with was from a book called "Think like a monk" by Jay Shetty. The formula that Jay shared for Dharma is a modern representation of this concept:

Passion + Expertise + Usefulness = Dharma

The way Jay explained Dharma and purpose in his book is really practical and easy to absorb, even if one is not religious or "deeply spiritual" (so to speak). Below diagram depicts this model with clarity.

Jay's book, "Think like a monk", suggests that in order to unveil our dharma, we have to identify our passions - the activities that we both love and are naturally inclined to do well. Jay also introduced the "Quadrants of Potential" in his book. The more we can spend our time and energy on Quadrant 2, i.e. doing things that we are good at and love, the more we will find ourselves in alignment with the divine or universe.

By integrating these principles into your life, you can embark on a journey that not only brings personal satisfaction but also contributes meaningfully to the greater good. Let's explore how these concepts can help you uncover your unique formula for a purposeful and fulfilling life by taking action! download the worksheet mentioned below to help you apply these concepts in your own life.