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Understand your relationship with the universe!
Q: What is the true meaning of spirituality? —Madhusudan Gulati The Sanskrit word for spirituality is Adhyatma or Adhyatmikta. The word Adhyatma is derived from a combination of two words: Adhi and Atma. Adhi implies empowerment and Atma could mean soul, the self, the Higher Being or conscience. The implied meaning of Adhyatma would be everything that is done by the empowerment of the Atma. This is to say everything that the Atma allows.
In this context, therefore, the meaning of the word Atma would be closer to conscience. Thus the meaning of spirituality would be the development of this conscience. The scriptures further suggest that this conscience is developed in people by understanding their own self and their purpose in life. People also need to understand their relationship with the universe that surrounds them as well as their obligations towards this universe and the self. Finally, people ought to act by the guidance of this developed conscience. A: First and foremost, you need to find out where your interest lies in terms of a career. To me, the marks you have obtained in your graduation indicate a lack of interest in the subjects you had taken. People normally try to find work that would help them acquire something; I recommend that you find work that will help you to become something. Something that you have always wanted to be. So reflect on what excites you, what are you passionate about and so on.
At the same time, temper your passion with prudence. Don’t rush into an unchartered territory without thinking long and hard, and if needed, taking advice of those who have worked in that area.
Have any questions about life, management, philosophy, education, literature, yoga, mountaineering in India, or psychological issues or all of these? Mail to askhimanshu@htlive.com Himanshu is a Professor at IIM Lucknow, an author, mountaineer, yoga enthusiast and a Sanskrit scholar.
Disclaimer: The responses in this column given by me are based on my learnings and experience. They should, by no means, be taken as a substitute for medical/professional help.