Why do we need ‘Goals’?
If we want to achieve something in our lives, we need to know what we want to achieve, how we are going to achieve it, do we have the capacity to achieve the goal, etc.
“Our plans miscarry because they have no aims.
When a man does not know what harbor he is making for,
no wind is the right wind.”
Seneca
What are we all looking for?
We all want to be 'happy' in life. Those who do not have money think money will bring happiness. Those who are not married, think marriage will bring happiness. We are always looking for happiness somewhere outside - like a big house or a fancy car. On and, and on goes the wish list. But if we look at the rich or married people, we will find that they are not totally happy all the time. They are still looking for happiness somewhere else. These external objects do not keep us in a state of happiness for too long. We are all looking for this bliss in wrong places or in objects because this pleasure, happiness does not last for long. We all need basic necessities of life - clean air to breathe, water, food, shelter, good health, etc. Beyond that, we should be looking for the 'right' way of life with the 'right'
attitude.
Goal or Most Important Pursuit of Life Is to personally realize or experience or gain the knowledge about ‘Self’ ( Ātmā) and Brahman (the Universal Energy or God). This involves learning ‘how to live a life according to Dharma by reading books or listening to lectures by learned people and then practicing Meditation ( यान). Desire for pleasures of the senses leads us away from this path. Total control over all senses, organs of actions like speech, etc. and mind (thoughts) are essential steps in this process. All energies are focussed on attaining Brahman.
Our shāstra-s (sacred texts) mention four goals in life 1. Kām (desire) – fulfilling desires to satisfy the senses e.g. thirst, hunger, etc. These are common to all in the animal kingdom.
2. Arth (wealth) – earning money to buy food, shelter, etc. This goal is considered higher than Kām because it is not found in the animal kingdom. However, wealth is like a knife - it can be used as a destructive weapon and also as a useful tool in everyday life. Blind pursuit of wealth creates degeneration of human values. The destructive power of desire to become very wealthy lies in creating lust, greed, desire to hoard tons of money, exploitation of other humans, animal & plant life and also other natural resources.
यावत् येत जढरं तावत् स ं िह देहीनाम् ।
अ धकं यो भम ेत स ेनो द डमह त ॥
One may [rightfully] claim proprietorship to as much wealth
as is required to maintain oneself [to fill the stomach];
but he/she who claims proprietorship over more than what
is required for survival is a thief and deserves to be punished.
Mahābhārat and Manusmruti
In other words:
“Live simply so that others may simply live.”
Mahātmā Gāndhi
3. Dharma – The first two goals, Kām and Arth are achieved according to recommendations in Dharma. Dharma is higher than both ( Kām and Arth). This requires study of Dharma early in life and practicing it all through life.
4. Moksh – In the ancient Indian tradition, the ultimate goal is to go beyond the cycle of birth and death by merging Ātmā (soul) with Paramātmā (God). This is the highest goal in life. All activities in the fields of Kām and Arth give temporary pleasure. Moksh is permanent bliss. According to Védānt all human beings and even animals can achieve this goal. One does not have to pray to a specific ‘God’ or belong to a specific religious sect. Even people who do not believe in ‘God’ may live a life according to Dharma and achieve this ‘ultimate goal’.
णवो धनुः शरो ा ा