How important is it to believe that life has purpose?
As an integral part of life on this planet, we all have an innate need to fulfill a purpose. Just as the bee looks for honey, builds a hive, and protects the life of his queen all for the purpose of pollinating flowers, so do we pursue physical life in order to create mind.
In the first half of our lives, we usually carry out our purpose naturally, rarely feeling the need to question it. A little girl might fulfill her purpose by playing with her dolls or looking after her pet, as practice for being a mother. A young woman fulfills her purpose when she studies for a career, looks for a mate, raises a family, and helps to build a better society for her children.
As people grow older and find themselves alone or with time on their hands, they are more likely to question their purpose. Some of them, fearing the loss of purpose, may cling to their children, instead of trying to make themselves useful elsewhere. Others may move on to new pursuits and interests, enjoying their new-found freedom. Still others may begin to wonder if there is more to life, and in doing so, they become seekers. A seeker will ask himself, possibly for the first time in his life, “What is the reason for it all?” It is very natural to reach this point in one’s later years.
As we seek to understand our purpose within the greater scheme of things, our search will sometimes lead us on a spiritual path. Many paths, including those from within our own religious or mystical traditions are, in fact, intended for the later part of our lives, as a way of preparing for the hereafter. For most of us, it is only during this period that we have the time to concentrate on spiritual disciplines or the financial means to travel large distances in pursuit of these interests
Times are changing, however. Today, many younger people are looking to spiritual teachings in their search for purpose and identity. While the priority for most young adults is to raise children, pursue a career, or both, there is no reason why these teachings cannot play a role during this phase. Spiritual teachings can be useful, for example, in helping children to understand the world around them, as well as in helping the parents understand the purpose they fulfill by virtue of being of service. Read more about PURPOSE OF LIFE.
