Defining Your Success: A Journey of Self-Realization

Have you ever defined what your success is? Or are you following the definition of success defined by society, parents, teachers or others? If you cannot define your success then you will end up regretting later in life.

To be successful, happy and content in life you need to define your success not someone else.

What you want to achieve with your life should not be decided by someone else. Neither should it be based on what the crowd wants.

Do not blindly follow a trend set by someone. There was a time everyone used to go for Information Technology (IT) engineering without even knowing whether they had a genuine interest in it. Few who had genuine interest followed it and made it big. The rest all ended up wasting their life with no happiness and contentment in life.

A person might be interested in simple and plain things in life. Another person might want to own a private jet. Both should be allowed to follow their dream.

There are people who sacrifice their lives for others and later regretting it. When you sacrifice something, it should be your decision. It should not be an emotional decision.

Success is doing those things that you really want to do in life.

True achievement in life is doing things that you love most.

True contentment is doing things at your will without fear or coercion.

Defining Your Success: A Journey of Self-Realization

Success is a deeply personal concept, unique to each individual. Yet, many people find themselves pursuing a version of success that has been defined by others—whether it be society, parents, teachers, or peers. This can lead to a life filled with regret and unfulfilled potential. To avoid such an outcome, it is essential to define your success based on your true desires and passions. The wisdom of Hindu scriptures offers valuable insights into this process, emphasizing the importance of self-realization and living a life true to one’s Dharma (personal duty).

Insights from Hindu Scriptures

Hindu scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, offer profound teachings on living a life of purpose and personal fulfillment. The Gita encourages individuals to follow their Swadharma (personal duty or calling), which is unique to each person.

Bhagavad Gita 3.35:
"It is far better to perform one’s natural prescribed duties, though tinged with faults, than to perform another’s prescribed duties, though perfectly. In fact, it is preferable to die in the discharge of one’s duty than to follow the path of another, which is fraught with danger."

This verse underscores the importance of pursuing one's own path, even if it seems imperfect or difficult. It is better to struggle in a pursuit that is aligned with your true self than to achieve perfection in a path that is not yours.

Stories from Hindu Scriptures

Consider the story of Arjuna, the warrior prince from the Mahabharata. Arjuna faced a moral dilemma on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where he was required to fight against his own relatives and teachers. Confused about his duty, Arjuna contemplated abandoning the battle. However, Lord Krishna advised him to follow his Dharma as a warrior. Krishna’s teachings highlight that true success lies in performing one’s duty without attachment to the results. Arjuna's eventual success was not just in winning the battle, but in realizing and fulfilling his Dharma.

Another story is that of Nachiketa, a young boy from the Katha Upanishad. Nachiketa was sent to Yama, the god of death, by his father in a fit of anger. Instead of succumbing to fear, Nachiketa questioned Yama about the nature of the soul and the ultimate purpose of life. Yama, impressed by Nachiketa’s determination and pursuit of knowledge, revealed to him the secrets of life and death. Nachiketa’s story teaches that true success comes from seeking knowledge and understanding the deeper meaning of life, rather than adhering to superficial societal norms.

Modern-Day Relevance

In today’s fast-paced world, many people chase after predefined notions of success—wealth, fame, and power—without pausing to reflect on what truly brings them happiness and fulfillment. This often leads to burnout, stress, and a sense of emptiness.

For instance, the rush towards careers in Information Technology (IT) during the early 2000s saw many students opting for this field due to societal pressure, not personal interest. While some thrived, many found themselves disillusioned, realizing later in life that their true interests lay elsewhere. This serves as a modern reminder of the importance of defining success on your own terms.

Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

The following quotes from Hindu scriptures further emphasize the importance of personal fulfillment and living a life true to oneself:

• Bhagavad Gita 2.47:
  "You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."

• Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.1:
  "Satyam vada, dharmam chara" (Speak the truth, walk the path of righteousness).

• Bhagavad Gita 18.66:
  "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions; do not fear."

This verse encourages the surrender to the divine will, symbolizing the importance of aligning one’s actions with higher principles rather than societal expectations.

Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is about living a life that aligns with your deepest values, passions, and personal Dharma. Whether it’s pursuing a simple life, chasing big dreams, or dedicating oneself to the service of others, true success is about following a path that resonates with your inner self. The teachings from Hindu scriptures remind us to look within, understand our true nature, and define our success based on our unique purpose in life. By doing so, we can achieve not only success but also true happiness and contentment.