“It is better to strive in one’s own dharma than to succeed in the dharma of another. Nothing is ever lost in following one’s own dharma. But competition in another’s dharma breeds fear and insecurity.”
~ Lord Krishna in The Bhagavad Gita
The content of the Bhagavad Gita consists of a conversation between Krishna, the manifestation of the Lord, and the warrior prince Arjuna before the start of the Kurukshetra war. Krishna is advising Arjuna as he hesitates and is full of doubt about going to war against his cousins. Krishna reveals to Arjuna that his dharma is being a Warrior. The Gita points the way to following the yogic path of living in harmony with universal laws as we strive to live our highest truths.
Dharma comes from the Sanskrit dhri, which means “to support, hold up or bear.”
The word means many things, but according to Eknath Easwaran, dharma “implies support from within: the essence of a thing, its virtue, that which makes it what it is.”
In essence, we all have our own “dharma” or purpose and reason for being alive. As Krishna states in the Gita, following someone else’s dharma brings insecurity. If you live your life trying to impress others and not fulfilling what you’re here to do, you will suffer.
In yoga teacher training, we were asked to contemplate what our personal dharma was. For me, it took some time for the wisdom to be come to the light of day. I journalled and asked myself what was it that I have always lived by. What was beyond the roles I played in life and the jobs I had had. What gave my life meaning and purpose….
I discovered that my dharma was to “learn, grow and share”. This is what I have always done, and will always do. Yep – if I was on the TV series Survivor I would be doing it. It fills me with joy and gives my life meaning. It is my authentic path.
Have you considered what your dharma is in this life? Take time to let this question settle in to the deepest part of your being.
Then consider – Are you living your dharma? Or struggling to fulfill someone else’s ideas about who you should be and what you should do?
Namaste
I love learning more about mindfulness. It is so centering and who couldn’t benefit from that?? Thank you for sharing.
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Thanks Kmryia 💕
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Wonderful
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Thank you 💛
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Very wise words to start my day. Thank you, Val.
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Thank you Shielagh 💕
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Great questions, Val. I appreciate the context of the Gita for these essential questions. Thank you. I’ll be contemplating these today. 💕
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Thank you Carrie 💕
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I’m still imagining you on Survivor! 🙂
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LOL 😊 I’ll meet you there Kate 💛
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Thanks so much, Val, for this thought-provoking and gentle insight.
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Thank you Jet. I’m glad this touched you 💛
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Very wise, Val 🙂
Still thinking.
Namaste.
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Rest in your being Irene 💕
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I love this so much 🙂
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Thank you Satya ❣️
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Peace Light Love
The Bodhisattva Path
Nirvana
Gratefully yours, Val
Tara
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Thank you Tara for sharing the path that has spoke to you 💛🙏😎
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Enjoying all your posts.
Namaste 🦋🦋
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Thank you Betty 💛 from one evolving heart to another 🙏
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Very nice read
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Thank you 💛 keep tuning in 😎
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Good points from one of my favorite reads. 🤗
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It is a classic isn’t it Bela. Glad you enjoyed this snippet. Aloha 💕
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We know we are on the right path for us when each footfall echoes with certainty.
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Wise words Nancy. Thank you 💕
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Beautiful question. Your dharma doesn’t surprise me. I FEEL like I’m living my dharma, but not sure I can express what that is yet. Working on it!
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I agree, Pam. I’m not sure I can encapsulate my purpose/dharma for others . . . but my life feels “right” so I’m sure I’m on the right path.
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Wonderful Val, and I can now answer that question.. Perhaps a few years ago I would not.. The older I am, the more content I become.. Seeing all the years I rushed around at others beck and call.. I now only answer the call of Self.. At one time I would think this too selfish..
Yet the more one heeds the call the more fulfilled one becomes..
Seeing and Trusting in those Universal laws.. Allowing All to flow.. Brings Peace..
Loved reading this dear Val.. And I would now say the answer is Yes! I am living my dharma 🙂 ❤ 💖💖
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I can see it shining in every word you write, the plants and flower you nurture, and in your wonderful creations in the name of Mother Nature and family. 🌻💐🌱💓
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🙂 💛😘🌸
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Lovely Val!
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Thank you Wendell. I hope your weekend brings alignment 💛
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I am reading Bhagvadgita these days and every phrase makes me think a lot..good read.thanks for sharing
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https://vibealittle.wordpress.com/2017/09/03/im-back-%f0%9f%98%81/
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There is a quote you will like.
Gita: 2: 62, 63: “While contemplating the objects of senses (People, money, power, etc.) a person develops (excessive) attachment for them, and from such attachment selfish desire develops, and from it arises anger (perhaps out of frustration). From anger arises delusion (grandiosity, paranoia), and from delusion bewilderment of memory (cognitive functions deteriorate). When memory is bewildered, intelligence (wisdom) is lost (we begin to make stupid mistakes). When this happens, one falls into degradation (one becomes totally stressed-out).”
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very nice!! I loved it!!
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Thank you Harshita. So glad this resonated 🙏
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