Why are we here?
I have difficulty with this question. Many answer by invoking God and providing religious reasons. Many others support existentialism focusing on the individual and yet others, like Zen Buddhists, practice mindfulness. There are numerous other approaches, including just not thinking about it all.
I like the Hindu concept of dharma, which I interpret to mean ones unique purpose in life - not a predestined role (exploited by casteism), but a discovered design. Perhaps we are born with a genetic propensity and are reared in particular environments, all to fulfill a specific function in life. Discovering this purpose, developing it and most importantly executing it is, in my view, the essence of living. This approach is not prescriptive, not judgmental and allows for the uniqueness of the individual
Many years ago, visiting poor, old Anglo-Indians in Calcutta, and being very distressed at their plight, it occurred to me that I could make a difference in their lives by organizing an effort to provide them a monthly pension. It seemed I had all the necessary connections, resources, skills and motivation to make this happen. This was my dharma. So CTR the charity that helps these seniors was registered in the USA, and spread to Canada, Australia and the UK. Today over 300 seniors, in Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and to be Hyderabad, all have a marginally better quality of life because of the efforts of the many workers of CTR. It also occurred to us that education of the less fortunate children also needed to be addressed. CTR started to provide educational assistance to children, both daily and residential students
The focus was and is on doing
James 2 Chap. 14-16 says it best: " My friends, what good is it for one of you to say that you have faith if your actions do not prove it? Can that faith save you? Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat. What good is there in you saying to them, "God Bless you! Keep warm and eat well!", if you don't give them the necessities of life? So it is with faith: If it is alone and includes no actions, then it is dead "
