How modern Positive Psychology and Ancient Texts point to the same paths
After years and years of simply existing, at one point we all stop and wonder, what is the Purpose of my Life? Suddenly it seems obvious - every single thing we do, every choice we make comes down to trying to gain a sense of happiness.
Dr Martin Seligman, a renowned professor of Positive Psychology, uses the PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationship, Meaning and Accomplishment) to describe levels of happiness as they increase in intensity and permanence
Positive Emotion (P) - the base level of happiness derived from small things like having your favourite ice-cream or watching your favourite series on Netflix.
Engagement (E) - a greater and deeper sense of happiness gained from active involvement of our body and mind, for example when you play an instrument instead of simply listening to music.
Relationships (R) - Studies show that people who have healthy, thriving relationships with friends and family that they can count on, tend to have happier and longer lives.
Meaning (M) - Doing for others - be it with your time, money or effort - brings a greater sense of purpose and happiness, especially when serving beyond your immediate family.
Accomplishment (A) - The passion and perseverance to attain your goals. It leads to the highest sense of joy and fulfillment.
Not surprisingly, there is an interesting resemblance between this modern model researched by Dr Seligman, and the Four-fold Purpose of Life as described in ancient Vedanta texts, including the Bhagavad Gita - Dharma, Kama, Artha, Moksha.
The first basic goal of life is Kama - it stands for pleasure derived from the satisfaction of the five senses of sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch.
At the next level of purpose comes Artha - any activity, from creating handicrafts to marketing products to playing music, that is usually the means of earning your livelihood.
Next comes Dharma - living a meaningful life, based on morals and ethics, a life of serving the needs of others beyond yourself.
And finally, comes the stage of Moksha - the ultimate purpose of human life, to realize yourself - who you truly are.
We can observe a striking similarity between the first 3 levels of Happiness in the PERMA Model - Pleasure, Engagement and Meaning - and the first 3 levels in the Bhagavad Gita - Kama, Artha, Dharma. Most of us are experiencing these forms of happiness in some way or the other.
So, the question to ask is "How does one go about attaining Self Realization, the final level?" We can use a journey of four steps to gain Enlightenment.
Continued in my next blog: Purpose of Life - Part 2.
Coming soon! Be sure to check it out
Sources: PERMA model of Happiness by Dr.Martin Seligman, Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta Teachings by Swami Sarvapriyananda.
Photo Credits: (top to bottom) Photo by Nadine Primeau & Lina Trochez on Unsplash
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