The Essence of Dharma, Your True North.
The Path to Being Your True Self and Illuminating the World.
From our first breath, we come in with desire. An inherent want to be alive, simply to be nurtured and nourished. Then, we’re compelled forward with a unique desire to thrive - to be seen, heard, accepted in the full expression of ourselves. These desires are our motivating force. We all want our life to be of greater meaning. We want what we do to carry purpose and be seen for its value. However, we can set ourselves up when we equate what we do to our sense of worth. It’s an emotional tango, when doubt takes the lead- we stumble into imposter syndrome and trip over our enough-ness.
There’s no need to search outside yourself for any meaning of life. You ARE the meaning of life. There is nothing to go in search of. The greatest mission is in learning to be who you are and finding a fearlessness that lets it all come through. Then, your living becomes a legacy and all your contributions to the world are the golden outcome of how you lived.
Dharma offers us a profound framework for navigating life. The philosophy of Dharma gives way to the flow of the universe with each of us contributing to the nature of the whole. It relates to a virtue and behavior that keeps us in alignment with the greater truth that we are all part of something bigger. Four pillars, the Purusharthas, lay a foundation for us to define and refine our purpose-filled life.
The four pillars guiding your life's legacy: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
Dharma (Life legacy): Values, Skills, Karma, life choices
Dharma serves as a guiding principle, leading you back to your true self. It’s a commitment to live in accordance with the depth of your heart and breadth of your soul. In becoming both the inspiration and the inspired, it calls for you to understand what you were destined for. Embracing whole-heartedly and courageously who you are and what you are here to do. Through your unique divine gifts, you live into your capacities for self-expression and self-realization. This is your particular brand of creativity. Contribute to the world through your own spark of Truth.
Artha (Life’s work): Assets, Health, Finances, Family, Shelter
Artha functions as a support system, providing the essential means for surviving and thriving. It includes not only material needs, but an internal structure of strength, trust, and vitality. It’s both the money earned to fund your life and the circle of friends who cheer you on. Everything invests in your limitless potential to align your work in the world with your legacy. Whether it’s the career path leading to your passion project or simply what keeps a roof over your head as you write your novel. In any scenario, it’s the scaffolding that helps you build your dream. Without a sense of security, we lack the stability necessary to pursue our dharma. There is no fuel for our fire.
Kama: (Life’s pleasure) Joy, Beauty, Music, Art, Love
Kama encompasses all of life’s beauty. It serves as an extension of our sensual enjoyment. Everything from travel to creating artwork. Kama infuses our relationships with connection, intimacy, and love. It’s our pure desire to be in and of this world - even the courage to be heart-breakingly human. In our ability to emotionally digest all these experiences and illuminate moments of joy, we cultivate a deeper love of life. It’s the passion we need to live our dharma. This is the art of living.
Moksha: (Life’s liberation) Self-realization, Self-knowledge, Freedom, Sovereignty
Moksha is the freedom to be exactly who you are in your true creative expression. In total liberation, we move through the world once all friction has fallen away. When doubts and fears are reconciled, we can fully explore all potential. With a natural grace, we act in response rather than reaction. We find peace and release the trappings of the mind. Our hearts are open to complete possibility. No longer bound to suffering or self-limiting beliefs, the dharmic path is clear from obstruction. We are free to be.
From Surviving to Thriving: Maintaining Equilibrium
Dharma transcends rigid dogma. Purusharthas translates as “for the purpose of the soul.” These goals serve as a compass guiding us towards deeper meaning and fulfillment in life. It's crucial to maintain equilibrium in this formula of four. When we over-invest in work, we risk missing out on simple pleasures. Likewise, dedicating all our time to writing without financial stability may jeopardize our basic needs. Similarly, excessive pursuit of pleasure can lead to an addiction, stripping away our sense of freedom.
In our desire to survive and thrive, we each discover our unique balance. In becoming the embodiment of the higher ideals of humanity, we animate and breathe life into the world around us. It comes from actually living into - love, peace, joy, and creativity, all strands of our spiritual DNA. Each day reveals our unique gifts and live with the courage to contribute them to greater good.
This is our life legacy.
