“It is far better to perform one’s natural prescribed duty, though tinged with faults, than to perform another’s prescribed duty, though perfectly.”
— Bhagavad Gita 3.35
(Read Verse)
Introduction: The Eternal Question—Why Am I Here?
In today’s world of limitless choices, rapid technological advances, and social media comparisons, people everywhere are asking a question that feels more urgent than ever:
“What is my purpose in life?”
Despite material comforts and professional achievements, a deep emptiness often lingers within. People have degrees, jobs, families, yet feel a haunting sense of confusion or aimlessness. We are more connected digitally, yet more disconnected spiritually.
This is not a new problem—it is an ancient one. But while modern society continues to seek answers through psychology and self-help, ancient spiritual texts like the Bhagavad Gita offer clear, timeless, and profound guidance on life’s purpose.
In this blog, we dive into the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, brought alive through a powerful discourse by Swami Mukundananda, titled “What God Expects You to Do: The Purpose of Life.” Drawing from his Gita Gyan Yagya series, Swamiji explains the path of Karm Yog (the Yoga of Action) as the blueprint for a meaningful and purposeful life.
Let’s explore the Gita's timeless wisdom and discover how you can align with your true purpose.
1. You Are Not Separate—You Are an Integral Part of Creation
Swamiji opens with a powerful teaching from Shree Krishna:
“We are not independent of creation, but an integral part of it.”
This insight is more than just spiritual philosophy—it’s a call to reframe how we see ourselves. In modern culture, the focus is often on individuality—my goals, my dreams, my happiness. But the Gita teaches that we are interconnected. Everything we do affects others, and what others do impacts us.
Swamiji explains this beautifully through the original Sanskrit verse:
Bhagavad Gita 3.10
Saha-yajñāḥ prajāḥ sṛṣṭvā purovāca prajāpatiḥ
Anena prasaviṣyadhvam eṣa vo ’stv iṣṭa-kāmadhuk
“In the beginning, the Creator, having created mankind together with sacrifices, said: ‘By this shall you prosper; let this be the fulfiller of all your desires.’”
(Read Verse)
When Brahma, the Creator, brought forth the living beings, he did not merely create them in isolation. He embedded a sacred instruction: perform your yagya (sacrifice, or duty), and through that, you shall prosper.
Nature follows this principle. The Earth provides shelter, the air provides oxygen, the bees enable pollination—each element contributes to the greater whole. Nothing in nature is selfish. Everything works in harmony.
We are no different. Our lives are not meant to be self-serving, but self-aligning—in harmony with the universe.
2. Real Prosperity Lies in Performing Yagya (Sacrificial Duties)
The concept of Yagya is central to understanding your purpose. In Vedic philosophy, Yagya refers to any selfless offering, done with devotion and without attachment to the result. It is not confined to fire rituals or religious ceremonies—it includes every act done for the greater good.
Swamiji draws attention to Shree Krishna’s wisdom:
Bhagavad Gita 3.11
Devān bhāvayatānena te devā bhāvayantu vaḥ
Paraṁ bhāvaṁ yantīnaḥ śreyaḥ param avāpsyatha
“By performing sacrifice, you shall nourish the celestial gods, and the gods will nourish you in return. Thus nourishing one another, you shall attain the supreme goal.”
(Read Verse)
This reciprocal relationship teaches us that our well-being is tied to our contribution, not our consumption. Only through yagya can we grow spiritually and materially. If we focus only on self-gain, we create imbalance and inner dissatisfaction.
Swamiji explains that just like the Earth, air, and bees fulfill their roles, humans must do the same. It is our ordained work—our sacrifice to the world—that ensures we truly prosper.
3. The Hand and the Body: A Profound Metaphor for Duty
To drive this point home, Swamiji presents a powerful metaphor:
“The hand is an integral part of the body. Its duty is to serve the whole. It takes food and places it in the mouth. In return, the bloodstream nourishes it with oxygen, nutrients, and energy. The hand prospers because it serves.”
What if the hand said, “Enough of serving the body—I want to enjoy on my own”? Imagine the hand being cut off. Would it survive? Absolutely not. It would wither and perish.
This analogy encapsulates the very essence of Karm Yog: we are parts of a larger whole, and our prosperity lies in fulfilling our duty to that whole.
This is not just symbolic. It reflects the universal principle of alignment. When we live in harmony with our purpose and the greater good, we naturally receive what we need. But if we break away from this understanding, we suffer spiritually and emotionally.
This metaphor remains untouched because of its profound clarity. It not only simplifies the idea but deeply touches the listener’s heart and mind.
4. Material Consciousness vs. Divine Consciousness: A Choice We Must Make
Swamiji now takes us deeper into the two mindsets that determine how we view life.
Material Consciousness:
This is the state in which one sees the world merely as a source of enjoyment. People in this state think:
- “What’s in it for me?”
- “How do I get more pleasure, fame, success?”
They forget their role in creation. Instead of offering their work as service, they see it only as a means to personal satisfaction.
Divine Consciousness:
In contrast, Divine Consciousness comes from the realization that:
- “I am not the doer.”
- “My role is to serve.”
- “Everything belongs to God.”
This brings us to a key verse from the Gita:
Bhagavad Gita 3.16
evaṁ pravartitaṁ chakraṁ nānuvartayatīha yaḥ
aghāyur indriyārāmo moghaṁ pārtha sa jīvati
“O Parth, those who do not accept their responsibility in the cycle of sacrifice established by the Vedas are sinful. They live only for the delight of their senses; indeed their lives are in vain.”
(Read Verse)
The Gita doesn't condemn pleasure, but it warns against making it the goal of life. The soul finds true joy only when connected to its source—God.
5. You Are Not the Doer—God Is
Swamiji emphasizes a profound truth that strikes at the very heart of spiritual realization: we are not the true doers of our actions. While we may feel that we are in control, Shree Krishna reveals that a higher force is guiding everything in creation.
This is beautifully stated in the Bhagavad Gita:
Bhagavad Gita 18.61
Īśvaraḥ sarva-bhūtānāṁ hṛd-deśe ’rjuna tiṣṭhati
bhrāmayan sarva-bhūtāni yantrārūḍhāni māyayā
“The Supreme Lord dwells in the hearts of all living beings, O Arjun. According to their karmas, He directs the wanderings of the souls, who are seated on a machine made of material energy.”
(Read Verse)
This verse delivers a striking metaphor: all beings are like machines (yantras), and the Lord seated in our hearts is the operator. He is orchestrating the grand play of life. While we may feel we are making decisions independently, the divine will flows through every thought and action.
When we truly absorb this understanding, our entire relationship with life transforms. We no longer cling to the idea of “I did this,” or “I failed at that.” Instead, we recognize ourselves as instruments in the hands of the Divine.
This realization doesn’t make us passive — it makes us peaceful. We still perform our duties with sincerity, but without the burden of ego or anxiety. This is the true meaning of surrender: to act wholeheartedly while offering the results to God, knowing He is the ultimate doer and enjoyer.
This is the essence of Karm Yog — action without attachment, fueled by devotion and guided by divine consciousness. When we live this way, our life becomes not just productive, but purposeful and peaceful.
6. Even the Corporate World Is Learning This Truth
Swamiji then draws attention to a surprising realization: even large corporations are catching on.
“Earlier, companies sought only to exploit nature and people to maximize profits. But in recent years, they are being reminded of CSR—Corporate Social Responsibility.”
Governments around the world are introducing regulations mandating businesses to contribute to society. In India, there are even discussions about making it compulsory for companies to spend 1–2% of profits on CSR.
This modern shift reflects the ancient wisdom of the Gita. No one, not even a multinational company, can thrive in isolation. Every action must be tied to a higher responsibility.
This also validates the Gita’s ancient claim:
Bhagavad Gita 3.13
yajña-śhiṣhṭāśhinaḥ santo muchyante sarva-kilbiṣhaiḥ
bhuñjate te tvaghaṁ pāpā ye pachantyātma-kāraṇāt
“The spiritually minded, who eat food that is first offered in sacrifice, are released from all kinds of sin. But those who prepare food for personal enjoyment partake only in sin.”
(Read Verse)
The wisdom of the Gita is not outdated—it is eternally relevant, practical, and increasingly validated by real-world systems.
7. Perform Your Individual Yagya and Prosper
Returning to the foundational message of Shree Krishna, Swamiji reminds us:
“When Brahma created this world, he sent forth human beings with Yagya and said: ‘You perform your individual Yagya in this world and prosper.’”
This means that everyone has a unique role, a specific Dharma to perform. No two souls have the exact same path. Your Yagya is not about copying others but about discovering what God has designed you to do.
As you perform your duty with devotion, God provides what your soul truly seeks:
- Divine knowledge to understand your eternal nature.
- Divine love that nurtures the heart.
- Divine bliss that surpasses any material joy.
This is the ultimate prosperity.
Conclusion: Your Life Has a Divine Purpose
The Bhagavad Gita and Swamiji’s words shine a light on a truth we all sense deep down:
You are not here to merely exist.
You are not here to accumulate and consume.
You are here to serve, grow, love, and align with your higher self—your Divine Self.
Purpose is not something you find—it is something you live, through Yagya, through duty, through devotion.
When you offer every action to God and live as a part of the divine whole, life flows with meaning, clarity, and fulfillment.
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