THE VISION, October 2025, Vol 93, Issue 1:
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Beloved Readers,
Life is often compared to a journey — a movement from incompleteness to a state of fullness and perfection, which is truly the fruition of life. This quest for wholeness silently drives all our thoughts, emotions and actions. At each stage — childhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age and old age — goals are set and pursued with earnest effort. Success in family responsibilities brings joy, professional achievements give worth, and social recognition offers fulfilment. Yet, after a while, we discover that a subtle sense of inadequacy still lingers. This propels us to reorient and reset new goals, and the cycle continues. A turning point comes when we encounter saints and other evolved souls, who are ever blissful, radiating contentment, showering unconditional love. Their very presence awakens in us a glimpse of life’s deeper purpose. Drawn irresistibly to their lives and teachings, we see the secret of their joy lies in one singular force — Love. Love beautifies family life, makes professional life meaningful, and infuses social life with harmony. It illumines the heart, softens relationships, and makes living gentle and sweet. Ultimately, this journey culminates in the realisation that the true purpose of life is nothing less than this profound truth: Love is God.
This month’s issue of THE VISION touches upon the theme: ‘purpose of life.’
— EDITOR
AS WE SCROLL DOWN...
- ‘The Purpose Of Life’ — Swami Ramdas emphasises, is to live in the consciousness of the Divine and be active in selfless service. When remembrance and meditation are united with dedicated action, we experience peace and bliss, transforming life into an expression of supreme joy, radiance and Divinity.
- ‘Words Of Beloved Papa Swami Ramdas’ — emphasises that the aim of life is Self-realisation: to know that Self, God and Truth are one. By constant remembrance of our true nature, we dispel the illusion of being merely the body, and awaken to the eternal Reality of peace, bliss and serenity.
- ‘Pujya Mataji Krishnabai Answers’ — how the six inner enemies—desire, anger, attachment, greed, pride and jealousy—can be transformed into allies on the spiritual path. By directing them inward and towards God, Mataji turned each into a force that deepened her Sadhana, ultimately leading to God-realisation.
- ‘Seeking The Purpose Of Life’ — Swami Satchidananda recounts his early struggles with despair and disillusionment, and how they led him to understand that only God-realisation brings lasting peace. Recognising that all events unfold by Divine Will, he resolved to live solely for God.
- ‘Editor Answers’ — reveals that while each life follows a unique course, the ultimate purpose is the same: fullness, joy and peace of mind. With the blessings of Mahatmas and through deep reflection, we realise life is not for self-centred pursuits but for grateful service to God through love for all and service to all.
- ‘The Gita Touch In Daily Life’ — reflects through Chapter 10, Shloka 39, that the Divine is the unseen Source and sustaining Presence behind all creation. Even simple objects like a strainer or ladle become teachers, showing us discernment and selfless service, when we pause to see the sacred message flowing through them.
- ‘Expansion — The Purpose Of Life’ — affirms Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, is the innate longing of life to grow beyond all boundaries and return to its boundless nature. By keeping body and mind pleasant, we experience the magnificence of simply being alive, where just existence itself becomes grand and fulfilling.
- ‘What Is The Purpose Of Life?’ — clarifies Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, that every life has a role, unfolding naturally at the right time. The highest truths—love, joy and beauty—are ends in themselves, beyond meaning or purpose, and the very arising of this question marks the beginning of a seeker’s journey toward the Light.
- ‘The Life That You Are Meant To Live’ — explains Swami Chidananda, is one dedicated to the welfare of others and lived in constant remembrance of God. Such a godly life, merging into the Eternal, becomes immortal even while in the perishable body.
- ‘Epistles Of Swami Ramdas’ — reveals that life is given to strive for God and to transform trials into joy through single-hearted devotion. True Bhaktas live wherever God places them, solely for His love, surrendering to Him with the awareness that He is the sole actor behind the veil of Maya.
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THE PURPOSE OF LIFE
By Swami Ramdas
The purpose of life is to live in the consciousness of the Divine and be active in the service of humanity. True liberation, peace and bliss can come to the share of a spiritual aspirant only when he or she combines the inner Sadhana of remembrance and meditation with the outer dedication of actions to the Divine. Every action performed in an impersonal spirit becomes a worship of God. Such actions are prompted by love, sympathy and goodwill towards those who are in distress. Unless the heart is softened with the feeling of compassion, the soul cannot progress on the Divine path and reach God. How momentary and ephemeral is the nature of things around us! At the same time, we cannot but realise that there exists a Spirit of immortal radiance which death cannot touch and change cannot affect — a Spirit of supreme peace, power and knowledge. You are the expressions of the immortal Spirit — God. You have assumed a body only for service and sacrifice. Therefore, assert your Divinity and fill your life with the rapture of selfless action.
May Divine grace enlighten your path; may Divine Power actuate you to great, noble and selfless deeds; may Divine grace fill your hearts with peace, love and compassion; may Divine grace transform your lives into the images of the Divine.
WORDS OF BELOVED PAPA SWAMI RAMDAS
Every awakened man or woman knows that the object of life is to realise God. God is not a far away being with whom we have to get united and experience liberation and peace by such union. God is, in fact, the truth of our very existence. We are the Truth itself — God Himself. In other words, we can say that we have to realise the Self. Self, God and Truth are one and the same. To be aware of what we are in reality is the aim of life. As it is, men and women feel that they are merely individuals, made up of a bundle of sensations and bodies composed of five elements. This is not the truth. We are all manifestations of the one Truth, the one Reality which is eternal, all-pervading, changeless, ever-illumined, whose nature is pure bliss and peace. How to know that we are this Truth? The simple method is to constantly think and remember that we are this Truth and by so doing dispel the illusion which makes us believe that we are only the perishable, manifested beings or bodies. Remembrance connotes removal of forgetfulness. Forgetfulness should be removed by remembering what we actually are. The thought-waves that are responsible for the obliviousness must disappear or dissolve in order that we may achieve a state of perfect inner serenity, stillness and peace.
PUJYA MATAJI KRISHNABAI ANSWERS
A European devotee referred to the six internal “enemies” (Kama, Krodha, Moha, Lobha, Mada and Matsarya) mentioned by Mataji in her autobiography, GURU’S GRACE, and asked how Mataji befriended these six forces and put them to good use.
Mataji: “Normally, these six forces are directed by man against others outside. But Beloved Papa made me do Sadhana in such a way that not only were the six hostile qualities not directed at others but each one of them was deployed to accelerate my own Sadhana. To begin with, Papa evinced in me a keen longing to have His supreme Being. This grew into an intense desire in me and thus was Kama or desire directed towards a spiritual purpose. To this end, Papa made me do Dhyana, Japa and Seva simultaneously, making me look upon all people around me as Papa’s own forms. The next step was for me to get angry with myself — that was Krodha — for not progressing as fast as I wanted to. Thus, here again, anger which is usually directed at others was spent on myself and that too for a good purpose. The third was Lobha which means avarice or the hoarding instinct. As my Sadhana progressed, I became ‘greedy’ insofar as my spiritual happiness was concerned and wanted to accumulate whatever bliss I was feeling, more and more. That became Lobha directed towards me. The fourth ‘evil force’ to be transformed and transmuted was Moha or attachment. I became very much attached to the fruit of my Sadhana, to my new-found Bliss. Then, finally, there was Matsarya or jealousy. I put even this force to good use by directing my jealousy towards my Guru — Beloved Papa Himself. I started telling him: ‘Papa, you have attained God-realisation and eternal Bliss. Why shouldn’t I also have it?’ Thus jealousy also became a spiritual aid in my Sadhana. By this process, all the six so-called evil forces became forces for betterment in my Sadhana, leading to God-realisation.”
Devotee: “Did you ever direct any of these qualities against others from the day your Sadhana started?”
Mataji: “In the beginning of my Sadhana, I used to get angry with the children for being naughty etc. and used to scold them severely and even beat them. Then Beloved Papa told me that if I beat the children, it would amount to beating Papa Himself. From that moment, I stopped beating them.”
SEEKING THE PURPOSE OF LIFE
By Swami Satchidananda
From my school days, the question: “Why this life and what is the purpose of this life?” was haunting me constantly and I was trying to find an answer. I did not find life worth living. There were occasions when I tried to end my life but did not succeed. Thus, years passed. Yet I could not get the answer.
I did not like the way people lived — loving only their dear ones, inimical to some, hating some, exploiting others for one’s own benefit, etc. Though I did not like such things I had no idea of anything better. It was in such a desperate condition that I joined the Army.
During Army life I had a general awakening and I came to understand that one can get everlasting peace only if one gets God-realisation and that the more we think of God, the more peaceful our life will be. Certain experiences then taught me that man is controlled by God’s Will and that all external events that change the pattern of his life, happen only according to God’s Will. Certain incidents categorically proved that God constantly protected me, and from then on, my aspiration was to live for God only and not to work for money, name or fame. I desired to get out of the Army and lead a completely spiritual life, taking God’s Name all the time.
EDITOR ANSWERS
Question: Every person's life takes a different course. The joys and challenges each one faces are varied. Then is there any commonality in the real purpose of life?
Answer: Since every individual is shaped by unique tendencies, the idea of life’s purpose also appears to differ from person to person. Yet, in time, a common realisation dawns: the ultimate goal is fullness, joy and peace of mind. This clarity usually emerges only after varied experiences, though a few may gain it early in life.
The process is quickened when one is blessed to come into contact with evolved souls. By reflecting deeply and observing those who live peacefully and inspiringly, one begins to discern the true direction of life. Another turning point comes through the guidance of Mahatmas or their writings. We begin to see that our very existence is sustained by factors beyond ourselves. Life, then, is not meant for self-centered pursuits but as a grateful “pay-back” to the Creator—who provides through His creation, namely Mother Nature and Society. Thus, the real purpose of life is to love all and serve all in whatever way we can.
Ultimately, though expressions vary, the underlying purpose of life is revealed by Him who is the Author of all—and He makes it known to each one at the appointed time.
THE ‘GITA TOUCH’ IN DAILY LIFE
Chapter 10, Shloka 39 — Life-Lessons
One morning, while working in the kitchen, Namita asked her son, Yash, to bring her a strainer to separate fruit juice from the pulp. Yash casually fetched it and tossed it to her. Namita caught it, then paused with a gentle smile and said, “Have you ever thought about the thought-process and effort that have gone into making this simple tool? Someone, somewhere, designed it with care to serve us. Without a word, it does its job — from morning till night.”
Intrigued, Yash took the strainer back, observed it closely and returned it with a sense of newfound respect. Namita continued, “Every object we use — whether a strainer, a ladle or a spoon — has a story, a purpose and a spirit of selfless service. They serve without complaint, without expectation.” Then she added meaningfully: “The strainer filters out the unwanted and retains the essential. Likewise, we too must learn to separate the useful from the clutter — the positive from the negative — in our thoughts and emotions. It teaches us Viveka — discernment.”
“And the ladle?” asked Yash.
Namita smiled, “The ladle gives and gives. It serves silently and humbly. It reminds us to offer our time, love and energy to others — not for recognition, but out of devotion.” She concluded: “Everything in our life — tools, tasks and even moments carry a Divine message, if only we pause to listen.” Even in the simplest objects of daily life, His presence flows — quietly, purposefully and lovingly. The more we recognise it, the more every action becomes worship and every tool a teacher.”
These thoughts of Namita align beautifully with Shloka 39 of Chapter 10:
यच्चापि सर्वभूतानां बीजं तदहमर्जुन ।
न तदस्ति विना यत्स्यान्मया भूतं चराचरम् ॥
I am the seed of all beings, O Arjuna. Nothing, moving or non-moving, can exist without Me.
Namita’s reflections helped Yash see that even the most ordinary objects embody a deeper wisdom and purpose — quietly pointing to something far greater than themselves. Her insights reveal that the Divine is the unseen Source and sustaining Presence behind all that exists, whether animate or inanimate.
EXPANSION — THE PURPOSE OF LIFE
By Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
I am often asked, “What is the purpose of life?” If a person were blissful at this moment, he would never have this question. Only when life has become burdensome do we have these questions.
Every human being has a thirst to be boundless. Something within you is longing to break boundaries. This thirst is not created by you; it is just life longing for itself. This is life’s purpose: it is trying to expand into its unboundedness. It wants to find its Original Nature.
If you want to find the purpose of your life, just learn to enhance this life to its maximum potential. Most people don’t even know what life is. In your experience, all you have is a body and mind. Start by making them as pleasant as you can. Only when your body and mind are in a state of pleasantness, everything in you works at its best. Have you spent a single day in your life without a moment of agitation, irritation, anger or anxiety? The problem is just this: without understanding the fundamentals of what this human mechanism is you are trying to operate it. If you could just sit here for one moment and experience the magnificent nature of your being, you would know you don’t have to do anything. Just being alive is grand enough.
Source: www.newindianexpress.com
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Answers
Q: Does everybody have a role to play or some purpose in their life? Does Consciousness decide something before it is born in each life?
A: Correct, you got it! Every life has a purpose. Not a blade of grass is here without a purpose. It will open up at its right time naturally. You just keep doing your duty. Keep yourself hollow and empty. Meditate and do service and you will see everything will fall in place.
Q: What is the true meaning of life?
A: It is useless to find a meaning. See, a flower blooms; what is the purpose of beauty? What is the purpose of joy? There is no purpose for joy; it is the end in itself. You may say it is strange. Life when lived in its totality is the end in itself and beginning in itself. Love, joy, beauty — all that is precious and valuable in life is really beyond value, beyond meaning, beyond purpose. Be with this question. I can tell you one thing: you are very fortunate that this question arises in your mind. One in a million people will sincerely get this question. It means that you have started your journey towards the Light. Go deep into yourself and you will find out.
Source: https://www.quora.com
THE LIFE THAT YOU ARE MEANT TO LIVE
By Swami Chidananda
Being endowed with human status — the power to think, to feel, to reason, to know what is noble and what is ignoble, what is sublime and what is base — if a person does not make use of this endowment and lives for oneself — selfishly, self-centred, ever thinking of oneself — the life of such a person is not life, it is living death. Whereas, a person, who while making a living and looking after oneself, is also ceaselessly engaged in the welfare of others, the happiness of others, in helping and being good to others, being useful, benefiting God’s creation, such a life is a fully lived, true life. And the life of a human being who lives for God, every moment breathing for Him, remembering and thinking of Him, and directing the devotion of one’s heart towards Him, such a life is not only a well-lived life, such a life has no death. Such a life merges into everlasting Life. It is Eternal Life, Divine Life, a life in God where you know yourself as a part of God.
Such a life should indeed be aspired for. It is Eternal Life even while living in this perishable body. It is Immortal Life. It is a Godly Life. Strive for it and be blessed!.
Source: A Call To Liberation
EPISTLES OF SWAMI RAMDAS
Beloved Ram,
…It is He who gives us every situation and every change. He knows what is good for us… The question naturally arises, “Why this life at all?” It is intended solely for striving to reach Him, and for transforming, in that striving, all our trials and sufferings into joy by the touch of our single-hearted devotion to Him…
When we are on this path of devotion, it is truly a joy to live in whatever position God places us. Hence it is that Bhaktas did not desire for a complete absorption in God — Moksha — but prayed to Him to grant them as many lives or births as He willed, provided He made them live for His love alone.
Then again, the question, “Why should He have left so many beings in utter ignorance of His love and the resulting bliss?” His Maya is mysterious. To probe deeper into the question brings to light the subtlest truth that He alone is the sole actor behind this variegated and multiple veil of Maya. He, the Supreme One, pretends to be all, in their varied masks, nature and activity. Whatever it is, ours is not to puzzle our puny intellect with the questions. We know that He is pure love, and that our salvation lies in our complete submission to Him. Let us be His ignorant children, ever basking in the rays of His unbounded love and grace. He is dwelling in our hearts always…
ANANDASHRAM NEWS
15500-CRORE NAMA JAPA YAGNA FOR WORLD PEACE:
The total Japa received in the fourth round of the 15500-Crore Nama Japa Yagna for World Peace in the month of August 2025 is 210 crores, chanted by 182070 devotees.
The grand total of the Japa done so far in this round now stands at 5620 crores.
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SESSIONS WITH CHILDREN AT ANAND KUTIR IN ANANDASHRAM:
In the month of August 2025, 12 interactive sessions were held with children at Anand Kutir, in which 435 students participated. As the sessions are free from teaching and preaching, they help the children to bring out their own learnings:
- Adarsh shared, “Many a time we are the cause of a lot of the problems that arise in life.”
- Arsha reflected, “We need to change our attitude of finding fault even in small things.”
- Shreya expressed, “We need to find happiness and peace within ourselves.”
- Shreya M noted, “This session made us realise that others have a lot of relevance in our lives.”
- Krishnaja K acknowledged, “Many things that seem serious to us are trivial when we think about them from another angle. Likewise, many things that seem trivial to us could be important in so many ways.”
- Dhanya said, “It was a class that made us think and laugh.”
- Sankirtana reflected, “A few misunderstandings were cleared. We realised that problems start with words and that we should be careful when using them.”
- Archana shared, “We learnt how to see life in a beautiful way.”
- Arun stated, “Small compromises can solve many big problems.”
MOUNA SADHANA IN ANANDASHRAM:
A day-long Mouna Sadhana is scheduled on the 12th of October 2025. Devotees interested in participating may kindly inform through WhatsApp (+91-9037466744) or by email (pms.anandashram@gmail.com).
17TH MAHASAMADHI DAY OF PUJYA SWAMI SATCHIDANANDAJI:
On 12th October 2025, we observe the 17th Mahasamadhi Day of Pujya Swami Satchidanandaji. He personified humility, forbearance and Guru-Seva. May this sacred day remind us of the noble ideals he epitomised, and may his blessings inspire us to live our daily lives in line with the teachings of our Guru.
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THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
“Real happiness comes to us only when we have realised God's presence within us, when we have realised our real being and existence. To know this Self and to live in the Self, act in the Self and behold the Self everywhere is the main object of this life.”
— Swami Ramdas
DOWNLOAD THE VISION
Devotees can download the PDF version or the audio book of this issue of THE VISION by clicking on the relevant links.
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