The Vedic concept of dharma, combines, unites and deepens our current concept of passion and purpose

Many business coaches and motivational speakers today talk about 'living with purpose', or ‘having a passion'. This is good. From the Vedic perspective however, following our dharma has an even deeper spiritual significance in that it is what most supports and accelerates our own inner growth and personal evolution.

In its broadest sense, dharma is that which 'supports', 'upholds' and 'nourishes' life in all its aspects. On an individual level, dharma is that activity or vocation, that supports our highest evolution. It is our ‘natural duty’ or what we were uniquely born to do. When we do it, we contribute maximally to our own growth and development as well as to society in general.  

From the Vedic understanding, fulfilling one's purpose or dharma is the very basis of a healthy life.  Next to transcending and enlivening the field of consciousness within us (which ultimately is the way to know what our true purpose is), following and fulfilling our dharma is considered fundamental.  

If developing consciousness is watering the roots of our tree of life, following our dharma is the trunk. Just as every branch grows out of the trunk, all the different areas of our life (relationships, diet, finances, happiness etc) are affected by how in tune with our natural purpose we are.  When we are doing what we are naturally born to do, life becomes easier and with less strain.  When we stress and strain less in life, we are naturally more inclined to desire the food that is best for us.  We are more likely to attract the relationships that are most evolutionary and enjoyable for us.  

Following our dharma is considered more important than good diet, sleep or exercise. In fact, like a flowing river where all other smaller streams effortlessly flow into in, all other recommendations, such as eating well and being happy, automatically result the more we can align our life with our dharma. Dharma is the river of our life. When we are flowing with dharma, all the other streams of our life work in effortlessly. When we are so focused and passionate about what we are doing, we have little or no time to feel depressed, crave unwholesome foods or to indulge in non-life supporting behaviors.

At Dharmic Living we explore how to know what your dharma is and how to move more and more towards it.

For a start, you can check out Mark’s podcast on Dharma and sign up to the Dharmic Living ‘FeelGood Friday’ Newsletter (if you haven’t already) where tips on dharma are often mentioned.