How to Know Our Swadharma (Duty)?

When we are born, we bring with us some tendencies and inclinations (vāsanās) from the past, and these are the primary factors for our choices and actions, achievements and losses in life. One’s duty must spring from one’s own character (svabhāva). In other words, the superficial must reflect the profundity in us.Almost always one is able to intuitively sense what sort of a life one should choose. By selecting a path of action according to one’s character and living up to it in a spirit of dedication, one slowly exhausts the vasanas inherent in the personality. Thus, the heavy burden gets lighter and lighter.On the other hand, in working against one’s inborn tendencies, life becomes a burden, and all cheer and joy vanish. To act against the grain of one’s own vāsanās would be performing contrary action (paradharma)..Duties and activities fall under the well-recognised four ancient categories –(l) Studies and allied fields catering to the studious intellects – the Brahmanas (2) Power, politics, leadership and so on, to satisfy those born with a flair for leadership – the Kshatriyas; (3) Commercial-minded businessmen – the Vaishyas; (4) Those dedicated to the service of mankind – the Sudras.It now becomes our responsibility to conduct an inquiry into ourselves and ascertain to what type we belong, and where our deeper interest lies.When I have leadership qualities, the best way of life for me would be to pursue the leadership of the society, rather than suffer as a servant. If I am commercial-minded, business would be my chosen vocation. When the spirit of service dominates my mental make-up, I can find happiness and satisfaction only in service. Above all, if I am spiritually inclined, it is up to me to pursue that tendency and walk the path toward my own spiritual unfoldment.Having chosen the field, it is up to us to pursue it in a spirit of dedication and reap the harvest of outer success in life and abiding peace within..Depending on whether you can work in cooperation or not, you can make heaven on earth or a hell of even heaven!

How to Know Our Swadharma (Duty)?

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