Lost in Search of Purpose? Start with Acts of Service
Discover your purpose through service
The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu scripture, reminds us,
“The ignorant work for their own profit. the wise work for the welfare of the world. — chapter 3, verse 25”
This quote suggests that there are two kinds of people in the world.
The first group is referred to as “the ignorant.”
They focus mainly on doing things for their own benefit or gain without considering how it might affect others.
The second group, “the wise,” works with a broader perspective.
They think about how their actions can make the world better for everyone.
Have you ever wondered what the true purpose of life is?
When was the last time you felt truly grateful?
When you were so busy helping someone that complaints and worry disappeared?
These moments are not just transient.
They are glimpses into a life lived in service.
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the pursuit of personal gain.
We often overlook the deep wisdom contained in the ancient scriptures.
We easily lose sight of the bigger picture.
Last month, I finished reading the book “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty.
Jay addresses the same thing in the book.
At the age of 18, he studied at Cass Business School in London.
His friend told him about a lecture by a monk one day.
But Jay wasn’t interested.
He agreed on the condition that they would go to a bar afterward.
Jay traveled to India during college to spend his summers at Gauranga Das’s ashram in Mumbai.
He became a monk himself.
Today, he inspires millions with the lessons he learned during those years.
The monks in an ashram are detached from the conventional measures of success.
They don’t measure the value of their day in terms of financial gain.
Instead, they measure the impact they have had on others.
Jay often encountered monks asking him,
“Have you served today?”
Instead of the mundane question,
“How was work today?”
The concept of service
This concept of service is deeply rooted in our nature.
It’s a mindset that has been instilled in us from childhood.
Small children instinctively do things to help others.
In this paradigm, serving isn’t just a virtuous act.
It’s a deep commitment to our interconnectedness.
It’s the realization that our purpose goes beyond personal achievement.
Jay Shetty associates this philosophy with the harmony of nature.
The sun gives light.
Trees provide oxygen and shade.
Water nourishes.
It is a reminder that humans are meant to serve.
But why is serving so important?
What benefits does it bring?
Service is the connection to others and the world.
Service isn’t just about helping others.
It’’s about connecting with them on a deeper level.
It fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
Despite these undeniable benefits, many people put off the thought of a service.
They argue that they need financial security or emotional stability first.
Jay challenges this notion and asks,
“When will you start serving?
When will you start making a difference in the world?”
Connection to others and the world:
Service exceeds individual actions.
It creates deep connections with others and the world in general.
Serving is about more than just helping.
It’s about understanding, empathy, and the collective contribution to a common goal.
In a world often plagued by isolation, service becomes the bridge that connects us all.
Amplified gratitude:
Engaging in service broadens our perspective on life.
It amplifies gratitude.
It makes us appreciate the abundance in our lives.
It fosters an appreciation for the richness of our own lives.
When we extend a helping hand, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles others face.
Increased compassion:
Service encourages empathy and compassion.
It enables you to understand and share the experiences of others.
It promotes a more compassionate worldview.
We go beyond superficial judgments.
It enables us to put ourselves in the shoes of those we serve.
This heightened compassion becomes a way of perceiving and interacting with the world.
Built self-esteem:
Knowing that you are contributing to the well-being of others gives you a deep sense of meaning and purpose.
It boosts self-esteem and a positive self-image.
They are an integral part of a larger tapestry.
The direct path to a meaningful life
Jay encourages us to extend our circle of care to develop a service mindset.
Think of 4–6 people for whom you would drop everything.
How often do you look after them?
Can you start now?
Then, expand your circle to at least 20 people, perhaps a community group.
Stick this list on the mirror where you brush your teeth.
Now, you’ll think about them at least twice a day.
Experience how this simple action changes your motivation to serve.
Jay emphasizes serving with pure intentions without expecting anything in return.
When you sincerely desire the happiness of others, their joy becomes yours.
It’s a beautiful cycle of give and take that exceeds material expectations.
It also pushes us to recognize that everything we give to others was once given to us.
Be it material possessions or positive energy.
True detachment, he says, consists in serving a higher purpose without being bound to the result.
Finding your purpose through service
Feeling lost or unsure about where to devote your energy?
Jay suggests reflecting on three moments when you felt lost or in need.
Dig down if those moments offer opportunities to serve aligned with your dharma, your unique purpose.
Jay Shetty says eloquently,
“When you’re living in service, you don’t have time to complain and criticize.
When you’re living in service, your fears go away.
When you’re living in service, you feel grateful.
Your material attachments diminish.
Service is the direct path to a meaningful life,”
Living a life of service means more than just occasional acts of kindness.
It’s a continuous commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
In turn, finding profound fulfillment within ourselves.
In this journey, complaints fade away, fears dissipate, and gratitude becomes a constant companion.
Final thoughts
Let’s start small by extending our care to those around us and gradually increasing our reach.
Serve with pure intentions, let go of expectations, and recognize the interconnectedness of our actions.
In this way, we embark on a journey toward a life filled with purpose, gratitude, and boundless joy.
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