What is your Dharma?
Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is?
Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is, what you are meant to be doing on this earth?
This is your Dharma meaning your soul purpose, way of living and the nature of reality regarded as a universal truth. In Buddhism, dharma means "cosmic law and order", as applied to the teachings of Buddha and can be applied to mental constructs or what is recognised by the mind. In Buddhist philosophy, dhamma/dharma is also the term for "phenomena".
Dharma: refers to one's duty in this life, dharma is your purpose that you set out to do in life. It is the end goal, whereas karma is what you do to get to the end goal. The idea is mentioned in many different philosophical writings and used in different religions. However, it is more then living the 'right' way, it is about living your truth.
How can this be applied in modern day life?
This can be translated into passion, drive, intention, whatever feels good for the soul and makes us feel alive. Dharma is a concept that can be used in modern day life so we can live a life of fulfilment and purpose, living as our higher self. But to be able to do this we need to start analysing our thoughts and actions, why we think the way we do. How have we been conditioned to live by society, culture, religion to gain social acceptance and status. You see, the only way we can find true purpose is if we start to trust and listen to ourselves, rather then what society has told us. Cutting out the outside noise can create a clear vision and give clarity.
The number one key to Dharma is living the right way for the individual so in order to achieve this we need to start critical thinking, thinking for ourselves rather then what we 'should' do. Here are some 'should' that we have been told in life:
- You should look a certain way
- You should go to this University to get good career
- You should have that job
- You should feel this way
- You should marry this type of person
Do any of these sound familiar to you? The thing is we often feel like we are behind in life or not good enough because we are trying to keep up with all the 'should s' that society has conditioned us to think we need. Once we let go of all the 'should's' holding us back, we can start to truly live by what feels right for us, that feels good for your soul.
Once we know our truth, purpose then we can start to call it in, like the law of attraction these things will flow to you once you allow space for it in your life!
This concept requires a lot of courage and persistence because there is no quick fix, however we can start by asking questions. Why do I feel this way? Why do I act that way? Once we can analyse our reality, we can start to shift our thought process into a choice of action, rather than reaction!
Danielle Timms
Yoga Teacher, Holistic Guide and Podcast Host.
