Are we too struggling with our choices? Do we know the Purpose of our existence or what could give us Happiness/Peace? Sita’s dilemma explores the concept of ‘Holistic Dharma’ and “New Age Maslow’ to explore a possible path for discovering self.
“spending time across all these 7 dimensions at least once in every 7 days (week) leads to holistic approach towards our life and moves beyond self-serving, leading to contentment” ~ K Srini
The seven dharmas are:
Vocational (Calling), Self Well Being, Occupational (Job), Universal, Relationship,
Community and Spiritual
- Vocational (Our Calling in this life)
It is one of the most difficult to find one’s vocation and at the same time one of the most fulfilling dharma of all. Vocational Dharma in simple words is your ‘Calling/objective in this life’. It is also the Dharma we like to spend most of our time as it defines who we are.
To identify this dharma, we suggest this simple exercise – Ignore all the material factors, possibilities of earning / comp. surveys, pressures from parents, spouse, society and think then answer the question ‘Who are you?’
In short, in fact you “Do not think about what you like to do but that thing which you cannot help but do.”
Self-Wellbeing (Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Playful)
Focus on ‘self’ is often perceived to be selfish but that is true only when we focus purely on consumption and do not balance between consumption with contribution. Losing balance between ‘too much’ and ‘too less’ is the differentiator between Selfless and Selfish.
When we consider some key elements in Self Well-being which are Sleep, Food, Breaks / Vacations etc. a good healthy balance between these becomes fulfilling an especially important dharma which is – Taking Care of Self.
Occupational (Job / Study)
Occupational Dharma is the ‘Accepted Responsibility’ which we do either as part of life such as studies during the student life or Job as part of adult life. This is the most crucial dharma of life as we spend most of the time in our life / day engaged in these actions.
When it is aligned with the Vocation as dharma it can be satisfactory but when completely misaligned can create dissatisfaction. Lucky and happy are those who have complete or almost complete alinement between Vocational and Occupational dharma; for example, a book lover picks the job of a librarian.
In case there is a marked nonalignment between Vocational and Occupation, then one way out of it can be by spending substantial time in pursuing a hobby / path which gives opportunity to enrich the Vocational Dharma.
Relationship (Family, Friends)
As social animals’ socialization and relationships come very naturally to us and more than often it acts as an impetus for our life. Relationship Dharma focuses on this love, connection and emotional energy between us and our spouse / children / friends/parents / siblings / co-workers even pets etc.
The quality time we spend with these people in our life is critical. We need to appreciate these relationships as they are like nurturing / gardening and not hunting. You cannot spend only few minutes once a week / month and believe it will be substantial. It is however about spending quality time every day and nurturing the relationship regularly.
In today’s day and time this is the one Dharma which is the most neglected one. This is because we are so preoccupied with our Occupational dharma and also a belief that monetizing relationship will compensate for the time less spent.
Community (One and all)
Community as a dharma encompasses our responsibility towards our neighborhood, town, village, city, state, country etc. Sometimes we can fulfil this dharma through directing our energies and contributing towards the growth of our community by either joining Armed Forces, NGOs, Government etc. or just by doing simple duties like obeying laws, paying taxes, voting during elections, taking a stand when required to and by not avoiding the situation believing that it is someone else’s problem and not mine.
The idea here is that we participate, contribute or volunteer to make our surrounding a better place for everyone.
Universal (Ecological & beyond)
As a Race (Human Beings) we have obligations and duty too and those who fall under Universal Dharma. Our duty towards the Environment, Ecology, our Planet environment are equally important and critical as living as a Human being on this Planet.
In short this is the only home we have as a race and it is our duty to nurture, build and save it.
Spiritual (Beyond the physical Realm)
The last and often the most neglected dharma is the Spiritual dharma. In these modern times it is often seen as old fashioned or being traditionalist if one is seen devoted to and talks about ones Spirituality. The common thought that exists among many today is that ‘awareness of spirituality is indulged only in old age’.
It is wise to remember and appreciate that as Part of Santana Dharma we need to nurture our Soul too and move towards Transcendence. Which is possible by fulling our spiritual duties like persevering and nurturing the practices in scriptures, passing on knowledge and experiences to the next generation, expressing gratitude towards others, living the values as prescribed etc.
By K.Srini
