www.hindu-blog.com
Abhilash
“Do What We Love Doing” can be deeply explored through the lens of Hindu philosophy, scriptures, and stories. Hinduism, with its rich tapestry of teachings and narratives, offers profound insights into the significance of aligning one's actions with personal passions and duties.
Philosophical Foundations
**1. Dharma and Svadharma:
Dharma in Hinduism refers to the moral and ethical duties or righteousness that one must follow. Svadharma is one's own specific duty or path that aligns with one's nature and inclinations. Following one's svadharma, or personal duty, is considered crucial for achieving harmony and fulfillment in life.
Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to follow his svadharma as a warrior, even if it means engaging in battle. This teaches that one's personal inclinations and duties should be embraced rather than avoided.
“It is better to perform one's own duty imperfectly than to master the duty of another. The latter brings fear.” (Bhagavad Gita 3.35)
2. Karma Yoga:
Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action, is a key aspect of Hindu philosophy. It involves performing one's duties with devotion and without attachment to the fruits of one's actions. By doing what one loves and is naturally inclined towards, while maintaining selflessness, one aligns with the divine order.
Bhagavad Gita: Lord Krishna emphasizes doing one's duty with dedication while remaining detached from the results.
“You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.” (Bhagavad Gita 2.47)
Stories from Hindu Texts
**1. The Story of King Harishchandra:
- King Harishchandra is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, even when it meant great personal sacrifice. His dedication to dharma, despite his love for his kingdom and his people, highlights the integration of personal passion and duty.
**2. The Tale of Ekalavya:
- Ekalavya, an aspiring archer, was denied formal training by Drona, the royal teacher. Despite this, he practiced relentlessly, driven by his love for archery. His dedication, while not officially sanctioned, exemplifies the idea of following one's passion even in the face of adversity.
Quotes and Teachings
**1. Swami Vivekananda:
Swami Vivekananda emphasized the importance of doing what one loves as a means of achieving personal growth and contributing to the greater good. He believed that aligning one's work with one's deepest passions leads to both personal fulfillment and societal benefit.
“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
**2. Sri Aurobindo:
Sri Aurobindo's teachings often highlighted the importance of aligning one's actions with one’s inner purpose. He advocated for pursuing one's true calling with zeal and dedication.
“The goal of life is to find one's own nature and then to develop it, and to act in accordance with the nature.”
Importance and Lesser-Known Facts
**1. The Concept of "Sattvic" Action:
- In Hinduism, actions can be classified as sattvic (pure and harmonious), rajas (active and passionate), or tamas (dull and lethargic). Engaging in activities that one loves and that align with one's nature is often sattvic, leading to inner peace and fulfillment.
**2. Role of Intuition and Inner Guidance:
- Hindu philosophy places significant emphasis on intuition and inner guidance as a way to understand one’s true calling. Practices like meditation and self-inquiry are tools to connect with one's inner self and discern what one truly loves doing.
**3. The Concept of "Yoga":
- The term Yoga itself means "union" and signifies the integration of mind, body, and spirit. By following one's passion and integrating it into daily life, one achieves a harmonious union with their higher self and the universe.
In Hinduism, doing what we love is not just about personal gratification but about aligning with our true nature, fulfilling our dharma, and contributing positively to the world. The teachings and stories from Hindu scriptures underscore the importance of pursuing one’s passions with dedication and selflessness, leading to both personal fulfillment and spiritual growth.