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Have You Decided Your Goals in Life? || Acharya Prashant
6.2K views
3 years ago
Liberation
Goal of Life
Selfless Work
Freedom
Bhagat Singh
Suffering
Dissolution of the self
Rabindranath Tagore
Description

Acharya Prashant explains that the only genuine goal is one that fulfills life. When discussing goals, one is essentially asking, "What is worth doing?" or "What is worth taking as a goal?" He observes that people are typically engaged in feeding their own stomachs and those of their blood relatives, which fundamentally becomes the purpose of their life and work. The true goal of life, he asserts, is liberation. There is no other reason for being born, as one is born into suffering and naturally wants to escape it. This is the ultimate goal of life. The journey should not end as it began; one starts life with wails and tears, but the goal is to depart with a smile, having fulfilled life's purpose. This fulfillment means being free from the tendencies, sufferings, attachments, and illusions one was born with. To determine the right goals and work, one must look sharply and attentively, without prejudice. A work is worthwhile only if it liberates you; otherwise, it opposes the purpose of life and brings more suffering. He stresses that work must challenge, change, and destroy you. He defines "selfless work" as work that dissolves the self, stating that the dissolution of the self is the only genuine purpose of life. Citing freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, the speaker notes their all-encompassing vision, which extended beyond political freedom to the liberation of Man himself. He recounts how Bhagat Singh claimed to be married to "Freedom" and mentions Rabindranath Tagore's ideal of a "mind without fear." These great figures fought for the liberation of man from all that subjugates him. This path requires great courage. Ultimately, whatever work one chooses, it must lead to liberation.