Beyond Material Success: Purpose of a Human Life

For most of my life, I never really thought about the purpose of a human life—I simply existed. Wake up, go to work, deal with whatever comes, and repeat. Life wasn’t something to be questioned; it was just something to get through. If things were good, I enjoyed them. If they weren’t, I waited for them to pass. I never stopped to ask why I was doing any of it or whether it even mattered in the grand scheme of things. But over the years I wondered: Is this all there is? Is life just a series of events we react to, or is there something more?

The Endless Chase: A Life of Means Without an End?

As I started paying more attention, I realized that most of the world was caught in an endless loop—chasing money, chasing success, and trading it for fleeting pleasures. Bigger houses, fancier cars, luxurious vacations—each new achievement bringing a momentary high before the hunger for the next thing took over. It was as if life had become a transaction, where time was exchanged for money and money was exchanged for comfort, all leading to… what exactly? A better life? A sense of fulfillment? Or just a well-decorated path to the inevitable end? I couldn’t help but wonder—is this all there is? Do we just run this race until we fall dead one day?

Beyond Material Success: The Forgotten Pillars of Life

That’s when I stumbled upon an ancient truth—one that had been spoken of for centuries in Sanatan Dharma but often overlooked in modern life. Yes, making money (Artha) and seeking pleasure (Kama) are essential aspects of existence, but they are only part of the journey. If life were just about accumulating wealth and indulging in momentary joys, why did contentment always feel just out of reach? Why did even the most successful people still search for something more? That’s because life isn’t meant to stop at Artha and Kama—it also calls for Dharma (righteous duty and purpose) and ultimately, Moksha (liberation, self-realization). The real question is: Are we only here to earn and enjoy, or are we meant to evolve into something deeper, something more?

What is Dharma?

Dharma isn’t just about being a good person or following some moral code. It’s something much deeper—it’s the natural order of life, the path that keeps everything in balance. It comes from the Sanskrit word dhr, which means "to uphold" or "to sustain." It’s what holds everything—our lives, society, even the entire universe—together. If we live in alignment with Dharma, life feels meaningful and purposeful. If we go against it, things start falling apart, both personally and collectively.

Why is Dharma Important?

Dharma is the guiding principle that keeps life in balance. It’s what gives direction to our actions, ensures that society functions properly, and helps us live with integrity instead of just running after temporary pleasures. When people follow their Dharma, everything flows smoothly; but when they don’t, things start falling apart—both personally and in the world around us.

Dharma isn’t just about doing the "right thing"—it’s also what leads to Moksha, or ultimate freedom from all this endless chasing. It’s like a reminder that we’re not just here to survive or accumulate things, but to grow, evolve, and eventually find peace.

How to Achieve Dharma and Fulfill the Purpose of Human Life?

Each person has their Swadharma, or personal path, based on who they are. A teacher’s Dharma is to educate, a leader’s is to serve, a parent’s is to nurture—it’s like a natural role we’re meant to play. And when we follow it, life feels more aligned, like things just make sense.

I also found out about the four pillars of Dharma from the Mahabharata:

• Satya (Truth): Being honest in thoughts, words, and actions.

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Not harming others, not just physically but also with words and intentions.

• Seva (Selfless Service): Helping others without expecting anything in return.

• Swadhyaya (Self-Reflection & Learning): Constantly growing and seeking knowledge.

The Bhagavad Gita talks about Nishkama Karma—doing your duty without attachment to rewards. Like, just do what you’re supposed to, give your best, and let go of the outcome. It’s the opposite of how we usually think, but it makes so much sense.

Also, Dharma isn’t just about personal life—it’s about aligning with the universe itself. Living in harmony with nature, respecting all beings, and following a higher order. There’s no one-size-fits-all rulebook. Ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Gita guide us, but ultimately, we have to figure it out for ourselves.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that Dharma is beginning to take root in my life. I have never been deeply drawn to money, fame, or material success—while they have their place, they are not the ultimate purpose of life. At this stage, I find fulfillment in living a minimalist, conscious life, consuming only what is necessary and directing my resources toward personal growth and the pursuit of Dharma.

I feel immensely blessed by God, and nothing brings me more joy than helping those less fortunate—both people and animals. There is a quiet sense of contentment in knowing that life is about more than just accumulation; it is about giving, growing, and walking a path that aligns with one’s deeper purpose.

Perhaps one day, my spiritual journey will lead me toward Moksha, but that is not my focus right now. For now, I am simply embracing this path—one step at a time.