Purpose

[YonKat]

Dear Erin and people of this great forum,

There's a question I need to ask about purpose and doing something that feels good to you, basically, the question is: can a person who's doing his purpose and is a garbage man, have more personal growth at the end of his life than a buddhist monk, who's doing it, aiming at reaching enlightenment, because he thinks it is a good thing, but that wasn't his purspose?

I'm asking this because I've been reading about buddhism, and began to think that enloghtenment is the purpose in life, but have just discovered somthing new (playing the piano- I used to play it when I was younger, and after a couple of years of not playing, I tried it again) that made me feel so happy (more than in years) and invigorated and so full of life, and like this is a thing I want to just keep doing. But thoughts about "staying in samsara (life without enlightenment)" have entered my mind (what if I become a musician and don't aim at enlightenment).. and now I'm really confused..

I think a healthy mindset should be doing what you feel amazing doing (if you've found something like that), but I'm still kinda confused..

So that's why I'm asking this.. I would Toataly appreciate any thought and feedback on this from Erin or anybody who has some insight..

Thanks

[ZHereford]

Originally Posted by YonKat

I think a healthy mindset should be doing what you feel amazing doing (if you've found something like that), but I'm still kinda confused..

Hi Yonkat,

Here is an interesting well known Buddhist saying:

"Before enlightenment - chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment - chop wood, carry water." ~Zen Buddhist Proverb

What it means is that enlightenment is not about what you do in life, it's about your "state" of awareness and understanding of existence.

Those who seek enlightenment do so to come to terms with themselves in the context of understanding life, existence and purpose. For most, it is a life long and rewarding pursuit.

[TimDineen]

I think your purpose is for you to understand and decide. I think it's good that you are interested in enlightenment, but there isn't exactly a consensus on what it is. For me, enlightenment is total oneness with all that is. So I would say it is possible, if you are really enjoying it, to be enlightened in the moment when you are playing the piano.
GO for what really draws you. As Joseph Campbell said, "follow your bliss" and you will find the path you are meant to take.

[YonKat]

Thanks, for your helpful feedback

"Follow your Bliss"- Cool saying!!

[absvan]

Originally Posted by ZHereford

Hi Yonkat,

"Before enlightenment - chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment - chop wood, carry water." ~Zen Buddhist Proverb

What it means is that enlightenment is not about what you do in life, it's about your "state" of awareness and understanding of existence.

Well said.

[ZHereford]

Originally Posted by absvan

Well said.

Thank you!

[Liara Covert]

Some people may forget or not realize that a sense of purpose can change with circumstances and one's own pace of personal growth.

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook. - William James

[veranadine]

Hi. Great question and I can definitely understand where your confusion comes in.

Yes seeking enlightenment is our ultimate purpose, or rather seeking spiritual awareness.

We must at some point come to acknowledge our connection to all life.

The key here in your situation is that the path by which we get to awareness and connection is an individual one. Meaning that no two paths to enlightenment are the same.

Playing the piano feeds your soul. It reminds you of your own divinity. It lets you send your spiritual joy out into the world, bringing positive intention to the ether.

Will you sink into the mundane and forever abandon your quest for enlightenment? Of course not.

Once something has been illuminated for you, it is there, in your knowing, forever. Even if you are consciously unaware of it, it's knowing has raised your vibration and will remain, embedded there.

Use your talents and your joys. Let them feed your quest, not detract from it.

Who knows, you may be heading toward becoming the creator of magical, spiritual music that enlightens others. But so long as you enlighten your own soul, you are doing just fine!

Keep on playing maestro.

[DaveTyler]

Life got no purpose. only meaning.