Thank you so much Jason for answering my question so thoroughly. Loved the video 🤩🤩. It has given me a lot of insight and support. Whenever I force a purpose it causes a lot of mental turmoil. But when I let go and take every moment as it comes, I relax and somehow everything falls into place and I actually experience more growth and abundance in my life. It's funny how we can get in our own way. So, yeah, need to stop over analyzing and just live. And the pronunciation of my name is perfect 😎😎.
That's great to hear brother, both about your growth and the pronunciation of your name haha. Better late than never, but I got there in the end. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
@Aatif it almost seems like u already knew the answer but just wanted to hear from someone who u tot knew more or to who/whom u looked up to. :) ... please do watch kung fu panda.. has some really interesting (yet simple) gem of a wisdom hidden
@@maddyIncubus Yes part of me knew, thnx to this channel. But another part of me was still worried that I had no purpose specially when I looked around and saw people constantly striving for something. But Jason explaining his life made me realize that if I don't have a sense of purpose I don't have to force it. It's an opportunity to be open to life and just enjoy the experience. And I have been recommended Kung Fu Panda a lot. Will surely check it out 😊.
Quotin Alan Watts, "The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves."
in a society that expects purpose out of everything for making a legacy or rising up in the world, meaning is always imposed/self imposed, also meaning purpose. Why? Because its a delusion to think we were created to live any certain way, which certainly includes this way of living we live now. I don't think many of the greats or changers of the world ever made their ruling mantras as my purpose is ____. They just do it. They just live. They take their time. They find what makes them click, feel un unison with themselves and everything. Which in turn is shown with reward or gratitude by whether you call it life or god or nature. You don't need to be well known or celebrated to be someone of significance or worth.
@@svenmc9748 In a lot of ways my own experiences accord with this point of view but then there is also the Hindu/Buddhist idea that the purpose of life is learn the Dharma, gain enlightenment and escape from the wheel of rebirth. They claim that being born a human is a very rare and special privilege because in human form we have the opportunity to study the dharma, whereas animals do not. Even renowned 20th century Indian sage Ramana Maharshi seemed to take this view. There are also times when he says to just be or whatever and I guess you could argue that once you are enlightened there is no more purpose to life other than to simply live out your remaining inclinations, presumably in a compassionate way that is of service to others.I dunno, it seems like many different points of view have validity even if they contradict.
Actually Allan says it’s a Dance, not a goal or a journey. There is nothing to aspire to, no purpose but to exude your nature and resonate with the world
Semi BRILLIANT! only because....considering the social media source 5hat it took me tobe exposed to it. But it is a mantra that I'll take heartfelt.i don't owe ,nor am I owed anything.
@J P How can you be a failure if you already exist, the purpose is to exist, the master is correct and has and will always repeat this exact statement because the goal is the eternal and the eternal is the goal therefore you are always the infinite success.
This is such a relief. I’m a 32 year old woman, no husband, no kids and lately I’ve felt like maybe I’m falling behind…even though I really don’t want what everyone else wants. I’ve been thinking I need a purpose, but every time I try to think about what it could be I come up blank. I’m just the type of person who’s naturally in the present moment and pretty happy. I only start to question myself when I look around me and realize how different I live compared to family or my coworkers. This video has given me a lot of peace!! Thank you!!
Feel you, I'm 33 and it's only when I start to compare myself to others when I feel anxious, I think it's also our age, following this narrative of "by 30 years old you should already *insert subjective list of achievements*"
I feel this as well. Thank you so much for sharing. It definitely has brought me comfort to know I’m not the only one who is thrown off my happiness when I begin to compare my self to others
I'm 40 and I've had a lot of different life purposes, so my definition of life purpose has become pretty transient. I usually go over how I compare myself to others with my therapist. It can be a double edge sword, giving us enthusiasm and stress as well.
Don't covet your neighbor if your happy just be happy there is no need to compare just because your different doesn't mean your living wrong if anything looking around I believe most other people are living wrong and unhappy. I search for happiness at it's essence not just quick dopamine hits from material items.
I also find that I don't need a purpose. A purpose ties you down and controls you. I see it all differently: I guess my purpose is to BE ME... to both give and receive love and respect. And I can freely do that wherever I am at any given time.
Slappy, I agree 100%. I tried searching and seeking my purpose my whole life (I'm now 42), and I have recently realized how much time I spent wasting in mental masturbation. I am so much happier just living day to day and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. It makes for a more peaceful, PURPOSEFUL life in an ironic sort of way.
As a recovering workaholic with seven years in the military and a Christian who has tried to save the world. I'm discovering the things you are saying are true. Meditation is centering me into the now. As I feel the life force direct me, not my thinking and goals and self will of the past. Western society does much damage to itself and the world forcing itself into every cranny of the universe.
You are an inspiration, Burton. Thank you for sharing your own personal realization. No matter who we are or what our beliefs, when we come to understand the true way and our real nature then nothing can drag us back to an unnatural way of thinking and being.
Wow, i just snapped out of my programing that one needs to have a purpose in life. Now, It all makes perfect sense why it felt so right in every way when i was a kid. Because as a child, i had no purpose and was just experiencing being thus i was in total alignment with the universe which also has no purpose but to be. Then, all this social conditioning came along and ruined everything. I'm so thankful you made this video.
This message is very much needed for me right now. I've been spiralling down a blackhole of YT videos on "finding purpose" and it's been giving me so much anxiety and unneeded pressure on myself. I 100% agree with everything you say and I wish this kind of messaging was more acceptable in our society. I look forward to watching more of your content. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing, Sara. It definitely is a blackhole people fall into. Society only spreads a message that sustains itself. Enjoy the content my friend.
I feel that following one's joy is the most important thing one can do. This is how you enjoy life and discover who you are through decisions and preferences overtime. If you don't do that, then what is the point really? You would not be having a good time and also be lost/ not know who you are. I know all of this, so I do my best to do things that I want to do and avoid things that I don't want to do because I don't want to sacrifice myself. The only problem I run into, which has in the past really thrown me off course, is family members and others imposing their opinion of what they think I should do based on their beliefs, perspectives, expectations, etc., instead of just letting me be and seeing where that flows. It really bothers me because it's like they're saying "you're not accepted and not enough as you are" and "I know what's better for your life than you do" and it makes me feel like people are in opposition to me, even when they have good intentions. People should really focus on their own lives and not try to change or control others.
You are focusing on what people should or shouldn't do, instead of accepting them for what they are. If you don't accept people, how are they going to accept you?
@@Life-Sky Thanks for the thought, but I disagree. I don't tell others how to live their life. Everyone makes their own choices. When there are things I don't like about someone or even when I think they could benefit by doing something else, I don't try to change them. Everyone is in charge of their own life experience. I really do accept people as they are, but it has been challenging for me to not be self-conscious and not care what other people think about me. (I'm getting there. It just takes practice.) I think being constantly disapproved of, rejected, belittled, overly controlled, emotionally abused, and not allowed to be myself throughout my life, no matter what I do, makes someone that way. I was extremely well-behaved as a kid, always doing what I was told, having faith that if I was obedient, everything would turn out okay. Well that didn't work, so I'm done with that. This gives more context to my first post and explains why it's important to me. I have to continue to become myself (make my own decisions and life direction) because for so much of my life I wasn't allowed to do so. There's also a feeling of being misunderstood. And I am sensitive to other people's energy which probably has amplified things. Some people in my life have hurt me, but I still love these people. Ultimately it's up to me to decide how much I want certain people to be in my life, if at all.
@@LutherAEvans It sounds like all your life people made you feel like you _are not good enough to be loved_ and that you have to do what they tell you to be accepted. You seem determined to love yourself.
@@Life-Sky The abuse mainly comes from my mom. She was really horrific in how she raised me. In addition to me being her emotional punching bag for my entire life, she also sexually abused me when I was a kid, which led to over a decade of inner turmoil, self-loathing, shame, confusion, etc. I wasn't able to be the person that I would have been without all the trauma. I had to build myself up while I was still consistently being torn down and debilitated by her. I can get to very healthy places where I love myself, but she has only ever impeded my progress. Several months ago I reached a point in my healing where I began to feel extremely anxious and unsafe around her like I had to escape, which I did temporarily. I reached out to family members for help, but most of them don't get it because they're closer to her than me and they don't see her the same way I do because she didn't abuse them like she abused me. This leads to them gaslighting my entire life experience and saying things to me that are very inconsiderate. But like I said before, I still love these people. My mom isn't as bad as she used to be after I confronted her about the way she has treated me and left for like a week and a half. But she is still not able to just stay out of my way and let me be. It was highly distressful when I reached a point last week where I was doing better than I had for months, feeling so joyful and optimistic, loving myself, making progress, having healthy habits, and looking forward to my future, only to be knocked down again. So a major goal I have now is to not have to rely on her financially that way I can get away and feel free and safe to be myself without being bothered by her presence. Thank you for your replies, which allowed me to reply. I know I wrote lot. I guess I needed to say all of this to someone. 🙏
I struggle so much with the idea of purpose. I know that for me, the right way is that of aimlessness, flow and wu-wei and I try to steer my life in that directions. What works against me is the Western outlook on aimlessness and doing by not doing seeing me being a 'bum'. My internal doctrine is that Western view of purpose and achievement and I have trouble quietening it. I know that it is wrapped up in my Ego's need for validation from others and again this is something I'm am trying to steer away from. I guess that believing such Western thought for 40-odd years IS going to take some time to change. Thank you for the encouragement this video has given me.
So glad this was recommended to me by TH-cam. I've been completely exhausting myself trying to have a purpose and set these lofty goals. The spiritual community I'm part of seems so focused on this and it is very draining and feels not in line with my Wu Wei. Getting back in alignment with the Dao might mean I drop all these goals and the whole community but my spirit is just too drained by the whole experience and constant need for activity and has been trying to tell me to slow down and be and let the chips fall where they may. That feels SO MUCH better to me than the artificial, forced doing I've been focused on. Thank you Jason and the TH-cam algorithm 🙏
Another great ask jason. Got my notification and watched it on the spot. I used to have week end plans and if something happened to changed this plans i got annoyed, borderline angry. and then, i said to myself : no more plans. i'll just do what i feel like. i feel more Zen since.
That is the way my friend. I think we've all been down the route of control and life is constantly ruining our plans, some of us learn and others continue to suffer. Glad to hear you got notifications turned on, it means a lot to know people care about this work. You're the best.
Man this is so wonderful and good. Love this way of being that you are speaking about. My life is like a cloud in the sky which is blown by the wind and this is a happy way. Love to you Bro, Bernardo.
They sure do want us to live to certain standards brother. Thankfully, their are people like yourself who are made for not being molded to socialization.
Jason, your explanations of Taoism and living Wu Wei are some of the best, and most accessible to Westerners I've ever heard, and I have the deepest respect for both your scholarship in Eastern spiritual philosophies, and for your grasp of the fundamental principles, which can only come from a committed practice of those principles. "The Art of Effortless Living" was the first of your videos I encountered, and it had a profound impact for me -- I would recommend it, and often do so, to anyone who is beginning to awaken to the limitations inherent to Western cultural thinking. Watching it, I felt flooded with a sense of deep relief and gratitude, because although the teachings of Lao Tsu had accompanied me from the first days of my spiritual life, it was your explanation of Wu Wei that made me realize that this had always been an expression of the way I'd always wanted to live, the way that had always felt most natural to me, for as long as I could remember. The video generated for me, a sense of finally having permission to come home, only to realize that I'd always been at home all along.
After kundalini awakening I heard a voice from within tell me my lifes purpose, that this was only happening because I was ready, and that it was truth. It was an enlightening experience feeling kundalini shoot from root out of crown. I had 0 knowledge of spirituality before this, but knew some about consciousness. The voice wasnt audbile but it was energy that my brain transformed into knowing. After that, a replay on my lifes events was shown in my mind and all of my conditioning/traumas I had were seemingly wiped away. It felt like I went super saiyan.
This was a beautiful message, so easy to forget and conform to life's expectations. I've been living in the moment most of my life, however there are times when I think about the lives of others and make comparisons. Then I get guided to videos like this that affirm we're all on a unique path 😊🙏🏾
Wow. We need more people like Jason who are prepared to let people know how the real world works. Not worrying about the past or the future; but being in the now. Keep up the sublime work!
from my experience, my passions (dancing, MMA) are when i get to experience the flow state/wu wei and return to my true nature.... removal of the self. it's like a full cycle. yet if we live without the self 24/7, outside of our passions i'm sure we'd be passionate and happy about day to day life too. which is why the present moment is so abundant and precious. when you're really content with what's happening to you right now, you don't wonder about your purpose. you don't think into the future or worry like that. you live beyond your mind.
My life's purpose was whatever I decided. Then, when I didn't accomplish my goals for adulthood (because, life) I realized the second part of that. Regardless of intention, life keeps moving. Meaning and purpose will happen throughout, it's a constant ebb and flow. Just remember to BE KIND AND HAVE FUN.
Thank you so much! This has been wracking my brain for months, making me feel like something is broken about me for not having any particular goals or passion
“Normal” is the social contract. The system exists because of our adherence to its definition of what is acceptable and normal, which can often be anything but.
well said, as per modern living- social contract is the very concept about a nation-state where by birth and living you are by default accepting the social rules premeditated by law and its culture. This is what, at the root, causes some people to be compelled or feel justified in fighting against policies that they don't agree with. You never had that choice, right? So if you voice isn't heard or considered, you, by right would be allowed to make your say- technically. It sounds super heretical but the main point at what I'm getting at is the root of societies problems is the indescretions within social contract.
I like the non desiring and not rejecting of what happens. Just allowing and accepting what comes. Feels like in the flow of life. Also brings Peace of mind.
Yes. I'm glad someone is speaking sense on this issue. I found it was a mistake of youth to believe that your life must serve some singular purpose. It's similar to people working a single job, a single role. People are just trying to fill in that old pattern with a new one. Either way, I believe that it's best to live a life, not a goal. Though there's nothing wrong with having goals.
Namaste my friend. This is exactly why I am so grateful to be a student in your classroom. Also, it is a good example of the value of a daoshi. (New word for me. lol. I hope that is appropriate.)
Thank you!! You’re videos are So helpful in daily life , to give our best without attachment and feel the Divine power always caring like mother. I’ve learnt a lot today. Shanti Shanti Shanti ❤😊
You said something very important near the end, “if other people have their opinions, it’s for them to work on.” It seems many people don’t embrace this lifestyle because of what others will say or think.
Jason I am new to your content but like yourself I have spent and I am continuing to find the way. I enjoy your explanations and the parallelism btw the West/East philosophy. Great content and great explanations!!!....keep up the good work!! From Canada
This is like the "Dad talk" you needed but never got. I like this viewpoint of purpose coming from passion and as a byproduct of that passion. Really cool way of looking at it. Many researchers consider what we experience as mind and consciousness as a side effect of the synaptic functioning of the brain. This viewpoint seems to also follow this natural process. Great vid, man. Thanks. Helps massively.
Very interesting view! I think there is some value to purpose though in that it gives people meaning AKA a reason to live and this is the best therapy for suicide prevention (logotherapy). I think the problem is how we define purpose in our Western culture. The definition is usually tied to monetary value (career), which is tied to identity. So when people ask what you do and it doesn't match your so-called identity, people get very insecure about it. But purpose can be as simple as maintaining a garden, taking care of a pet, organizing a vacation for your family. Being of service to anything greater than yourself (and not necessarily for money).
Interestingly what really is the test is when you loose everything. It's seems easy to be aimless or go with the flow when in fact your quite well off. I discovered Buddhism/Daoism through loosing everything as I was quite well off. Now accepting an very unwealthly life suits me fine . Accepting and not fighting against it. It's actually very peaceful ☺️
Hi Jason, thank you for this video. It has been difficult for me to keep up with this linear, purpose-driven lifestyle, especially living in the United States. However, your insights has been helpful for me as a college student. I'm not really competitive and just want to live a simple life, connecting myself to nature and to my ancestors. You and a few youtubers such as George Thompson have been helpful for me understand Daoist philosophy. Thank you.
Video is so relevant to how I've been feeling as of late. I have been on this enlightenment path for a number of years before I realize that I was on it but the last 5 years or so things have fell in place to where I'm retired one and don't have to work and can really spend time detaching from all these older paradigms. And these questions have been coming to mind as to purpose and what's it all for? But because of my practice I've been able to come to this conclusion that this video is talking about and it seems I'm on the right path. I'm definitely aimless and loving it
As American's we are entrenched in constant growth and improvement , without buying into this constant linear progress hyperbole emotional stimulating growth myth we evolve into social misfits in our circles . Our whole political ,market force, educational , judicial system has tenacles entangled in this rock solid myth. Seeing through this , understanding Jason's communication on the fact of ISNESS is really a good way to maintain sanity.
“Purpose”. I went to bed thinking about getting some sort of purpose in life and woke up at about 4am and found your talk about “Purpose”. Really enjoyed what you said and is good advice.thx
I find that the difference is in HAVING TO reach a goal rather than WANTING TO reach that goal. The latter is way softer and gentle and allows for freedom in that we don't have an interior pressure to achieve it. Rather we genuinely live to get there, enjoying the process
Thats really helpful and very wise. I have been through a number of personal development seminars with various gurus. Indeed they go on about goals and purpose. I had to karate chop a piece of wood with the words "commit" written on it to signify going for a goal. It didnt work of course because it was not a natural development in my life. Now i have found purpose without all of that as a byproduct of doing something i enjoy. That is writing. I have finished a final draft of my first book.
Love this video as well as the one about why goals are unnatural - thank you for pointing out these things! Have been a very goal-oriented person since I’ve been a kid - but the last couple of years ‘life just got in the way’ and I’ve been frustrated with the feeling of not having a purpose or goal - but now I’ve figured that goals are not essential to life - it’s a measuring stick and framework we have forced onto life, and life (we) cannot live up to it for all time - sometimes we have a purpose - like a problem to be solved or a deed to do - but most of the time we just - well - are. And that is as it supposed to be - no striving, no forcing. :)
"Whatever is resonating with your core in that moment"... that sentence got dropped in passing but has huuuge implications. A lot of yoga practices (perhaps especially in kriya yoga) are directed to the core awakening, the reconnection with the intuition, the inner voice, the soul speaking to us. How do you, Jason, differentiate when it's your lower mind wanting to do something or when it's a calling coming from your core? Perhaps that could be the subject of another video? In great gratitude for your "doings" in this world :)
A few weeks ago, my mother said to me "you should think about having a life plan". "Well, I think about that all the time, you know my issues" I replied. Well it's true. No wife, no kids, a job I'm not comfortable with, same for the city I live, bad luck with recent housing choices... She's worried about what I'll become when she passes away, that's understandable. And then I realized, well, after all, I don't want to have a life plan, that's what I've turned away from all my life. I'm a lonely guy, so what, that's who I am. I came to that city thinking I'll go back then stayed. Well I guess I wanted to stay. So... I just want to remember how to let things happen, one step at a time, and not force things (mistake I did recently). Thinking right now about those words from "The Road Not Taken" : "Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back". Thanks for the video, in the western world we're all so concerned about plans, it's good to be reminded about Wu Wei concepts.
Very simple yet nuanced and very helpful video! I admire spiritual people who intrinsically and intuitively understand the counter-intuitive nature of life and yet are able to explain it to people. Most spiritual masters can't because they're so spiritually caught up that their communication fails to explain to their "followers" spirituality. Most spiritual people tend to explain things very dualistically, which of course they often don't care much about, because the spiritual world is devoid of words, it's fully intuitive language in which they believe the other person taught to will understand exactly what they mean. But oftentimes, the follower does not have his intuition developed at the level of the master and needs to start his path with words and explanations, paradoxes of life, etc... And well, the counter-intuitive idea and paradox of purpose is often not explained correctly which puts followers in a dualistic path where they think they should or believe purpose is inherently good and the Universe has a purpose or they get completely caught up in the Nihilistic Purposelessness of Life. What needs to occur is the understanding of the Non-Duality of both those at the same time. In other words that the path are combined together as one: Understanding that the Universe is Purposeless but yet relatively speaking, one can find purpose in the empty nature of consciousness, thereby by being empty can it be fueled in the healthiest way. Spiritual teachers (in my humble opinion) are the best when they are generalists and holistic in both their spiritual world and intuition and in explaining via simple yet nuanced and paradoxical means. Thankyou Jason for this video!
Do things (work, write books, etc.) because it is fun IN THE MOMENT! Just as you solve a puzzle for the pleasure of being exposed to a challenge you should work and achieve because being challenged and solving problems is fun.
I used to play golf. Then I stopped and started mountainbiking. I liked the peace I got from mountainbiking because there was no failing. Now I play golf again, and need to learn to do it aimlessly.
I get what you're saying about the western vs eastern comparison. Being an asian, I never got the hang of the hustle culture and I think it's b.s. It seems very unnatural forcing yourself to wake up the same time, do the same things just to get what you want etc. I found Taoism and Buddhism in 2018 and it gave me a breather. I don't need to have a goal to actually live and be human. Thanks for this thoughtful video!
We are animals that move through space and time.. In my world view, this is why they call it the Way. That said, if you have no idea where you are, then simply resting may be as satisfying and efficacious as moving. Yet, eventually, it seems to me, there can be no life without conscious and cumulative movement. The sense of where you are comes from trial, error, remembering and choosing. This is what has worked for me. Eventually it looks like purpose and passion.
You explain it so well. It always fascinates me when I see something on internet that is so relevant to my life. Yesterday I just arrived at the conclusion that I need a goal in order to get meaning from life. I understand now that I can still have it but the most important thing seems to be passionate about the process. Thank you sir
Thank you Jason! This helped me so much. I have found myself trying to unravel the mystery of existence and what it means to exist. I basically gave up on that task. In watching this video I have realized that I have forgotten the meaning of effortless living and allowing life to flow without a need to solve it. Also I have a question about chapter 21 of the tao te Ching “now dim, now abstract: within it real existence is at hand darkly. Caverness and like a moonless night: within it is the quintessence. The quintessence is the extreme truth: within it is the stamp of proof” what does it mean when he’s saying within it is the extreme truth
They did an interesting experiment in chaos theory. They measured how many neurons fired with math problems of various complexity. They found that the neurons were the most "chaotic" with complex problems. The simpler the problem, the fewer neurons were fired. Therefore, chaos is essential for order and the functioning of reason in the brain because it casts a wider net in finding potential solutions in the brain. For me, Taoism is a form of chaos theory.
I think another good way to look at it, for people who are struggling to let go of a purpose driven mindset, is to put yourself into a training period where you work on minimizing the effort and complexity of accomplishing the things you feel need to be accomplished. over time, this will make those tasks easier and less drama filled, which will render you more antifragile when things don't go the way you'd like. as you get used to doing this, it will become natural to apply it to everything, and in a surprisingly short time (maybe a few months, maybe a few years, depending on the person, but that time will pass anyway, and once it has it won't seem like it was a long time at all) you will end up living very much in accordance with what this video is suggesting. and I would wager, at least close enough that things this video are saying will start to make much more sense than they currently might.
Yes the ‘positive’ characteristics are so much more beneficial then anything else, you hit the nail on the head, if everyone just worked on being a compassionate loving human being then yeah the world would be a much calmer happier place
Omg thank you. I've had the same idea but didn't see any support from others, especially with all the stress and meaningfulness made on the idea of a purpose. I too have felt more at peace when I gave up on the purpose idea
I was thinking about purpose (while brushing my teeth, because that's when all the deep thoughts happen lol) and how it would be nice to shake the mental pressure of "having purpose". Thank you for this video, I was meant to find it.
Im diggin' it Jason! What are your thoughts on the core of Lester Levensons work and the Sedona method? Not the business of it but the idea behind it. Thanks my friend
Great video Jason. Great question, it's my biggest struggle that I've been dealing with on a personal and professional level. I find that the challenge is discovering the appropriate approach in finding my purpose and passion. Most importantly my question is how do I reconcile not having attachment to purpose to sustainable living? Awesome content Jason thanks.
Then, it's much more beautiful to live without a specific purpose than to reduce my whole life to a limited serie of shorts peaks of pleasure. Because, in the end, that is all what the fulfillment of goals can bring to us. Thank you for this.
Yeah that realy makes sense, like sensational sense, feeling sense. Not in the brain but from intuition. When i talk to a friend about these things we always come to the conclusion that everything is just backwards, everything is like its meant to be but we always turn things upside down :D
My guess is the goal/work/purpose/non-purpose is to be the best example of love/peace/right-action in any situation. I think the NDE's talking about being not finished and having to come back is fixing ourselves to be a good example, touching others lives and radiating out that example.
Hi Jason, awesome video! As I sit here with a copy of the book The Impersonal Life I feel there is allot of overlap between this Mystical Christian teaching and that of The Dao.... 😊
Thank you so much Jason for answering my question so thoroughly. Loved the video 🤩🤩. It has given me a lot of insight and support.
Whenever I force a purpose it causes a lot of mental turmoil. But when I let go and take every moment as it comes, I relax and somehow everything falls into place and I actually experience more growth and abundance in my life. It's funny how we can get in our own way. So, yeah, need to stop over analyzing and just live.
And the pronunciation of my name is perfect 😎😎.
That's great to hear brother, both about your growth and the pronunciation of your name haha. Better late than never, but I got there in the end. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
@Aatif it almost seems like u already knew the answer but just wanted to hear from someone who u tot knew more or to who/whom u looked up to. :) ... please do watch kung fu panda.. has some really interesting (yet simple) gem of a wisdom hidden
@@maddyIncubus Yes part of me knew, thnx to this channel. But another part of me was still worried that I had no purpose specially when I looked around and saw people constantly striving for something. But Jason explaining his life made me realize that if I don't have a sense of purpose I don't have to force it. It's an opportunity to be open to life and just enjoy the experience.
And I have been recommended Kung Fu Panda a lot. Will surely check it out 😊.
@Aatif Naeem , @Jason Gregory You're trying to summarize some of the ultimate philosophical/spiritual topics. Amazing. Thank you.
Quotin Alan Watts, "The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves."
in a society that expects purpose out of everything for making a legacy or rising up in the world, meaning is always imposed/self imposed, also meaning purpose. Why? Because its a delusion to think we were created to live any certain way, which certainly includes this way of living we live now. I don't think many of the greats or changers of the world ever made their ruling mantras as my purpose is ____. They just do it. They just live. They take their time. They find what makes them click, feel un unison with themselves and everything. Which in turn is shown with reward or gratitude by whether you call it life or god or nature. You don't need to be well known or celebrated to be someone of significance or worth.
@@svenmc9748 In a lot of ways my own experiences accord with this point of view but then there is also the Hindu/Buddhist idea that the purpose of life is learn the Dharma, gain enlightenment and escape from the wheel of rebirth. They claim that being born a human is a very rare and special privilege because in human form we have the opportunity to study the dharma, whereas animals do not. Even renowned 20th century Indian sage Ramana Maharshi seemed to take this view. There are also times when he says to just be or whatever and I guess you could argue that once you are enlightened there is no more purpose to life other than to simply live out your remaining inclinations, presumably in a compassionate way that is of service to others.I dunno, it seems like many different points of view have validity even if they contradict.
Actually Allan says it’s a Dance, not a goal or a journey. There is nothing to aspire to, no purpose but to exude your nature and resonate with the world
Semi BRILLIANT! only because....considering the social media source 5hat it took me tobe exposed to it. But it is a mantra that I'll take heartfelt.i don't owe ,nor am I owed anything.
Love this
"The master has no goal in mind, therefore, everything he does is a success" - 老子
Most definitely LJ.
I love it
@@rationalityrules111 true
"i cant be told i lost the race bc i refuse to accept that im running, that means i win!"
@J P How can you be a failure if you already exist, the purpose is to exist, the master is correct and has and will always repeat this exact statement because the goal is the eternal and the eternal is the goal therefore you are always the infinite success.
I was driving myself crazy trying to have a purpose, now all I do is "be" and I am satisfied and happy!
That's awesome my friend. Just being is underrated.
Do you have any women tho.
@@CephlonMayngrum is this relevant? (her name is "unicorn girl" BTW)
I can relate so much...
@@CephlonMayngrum "being" doesn't end with "a failure". I still have drive and ambition, I just do it in my flow instead of against the current.
This is such a relief. I’m a 32 year old woman, no husband, no kids and lately I’ve felt like maybe I’m falling behind…even though I really don’t want what everyone else wants. I’ve been thinking I need a purpose, but every time I try to think about what it could be I come up blank. I’m just the type of person who’s naturally in the present moment and pretty happy. I only start to question myself when I look around me and realize how different I live compared to family or my coworkers. This video has given me a lot of peace!! Thank you!!
Thank you for sharing, Lindsey. I'm so glad it was helpful.
Feel you, I'm 33 and it's only when I start to compare myself to others when I feel anxious, I think it's also our age, following this narrative of "by 30 years old you should already *insert subjective list of achievements*"
I feel this as well. Thank you so much for sharing. It definitely has brought me comfort to know I’m not the only one who is thrown off my happiness when I begin to compare my self to others
I'm 40 and I've had a lot of different life purposes, so my definition of life purpose has become pretty transient. I usually go over how I compare myself to others with my therapist. It can be a double edge sword, giving us enthusiasm and stress as well.
Don't covet your neighbor if your happy just be happy there is no need to compare just because your different doesn't mean your living wrong if anything looking around I believe most other people are living wrong and unhappy. I search for happiness at it's essence not just quick dopamine hits from material items.
I also find that I don't need a purpose. A purpose ties you down and controls you. I see it all differently: I guess my purpose is to BE ME... to both give and receive love and respect. And I can freely do that wherever I am at any given time.
Slappy, I agree 100%. I tried searching and seeking my purpose my whole life (I'm now 42), and I have recently realized how much time I spent wasting in mental masturbation. I am so much happier just living day to day and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. It makes for a more peaceful, PURPOSEFUL life in an ironic sort of way.
As a recovering workaholic with seven years in the military and a Christian who has tried to save the world. I'm discovering the things you are saying are true. Meditation is centering me into the now. As I feel the life force direct me, not my thinking and goals and self will of the past. Western society does much damage to itself and the world forcing itself into every cranny of the universe.
You are an inspiration, Burton. Thank you for sharing your own personal realization. No matter who we are or what our beliefs, when we come to understand the true way and our real nature then nothing can drag us back to an unnatural way of thinking and being.
Wow, i just snapped out of my programing that one needs to have a purpose in life. Now, It all makes perfect sense why it felt so right in every way when i was a kid. Because as a child, i had no purpose and was just experiencing being thus i was in total alignment with the universe which also has no purpose but to be. Then, all this social conditioning came along and ruined everything. I'm so thankful you made this video.
Indeed, children are the most enlightened people on this planet 😂
This message is very much needed for me right now. I've been spiralling down a blackhole of YT videos on "finding purpose" and it's been giving me so much anxiety and unneeded pressure on myself. I 100% agree with everything you say and I wish this kind of messaging was more acceptable in our society. I look forward to watching more of your content. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing, Sara. It definitely is a blackhole people fall into. Society only spreads a message that sustains itself. Enjoy the content my friend.
I feel that following one's joy is the most important thing one can do. This is how you enjoy life and discover who you are through decisions and preferences overtime. If you don't do that, then what is the point really? You would not be having a good time and also be lost/ not know who you are. I know all of this, so I do my best to do things that I want to do and avoid things that I don't want to do because I don't want to sacrifice myself. The only problem I run into, which has in the past really thrown me off course, is family members and others imposing their opinion of what they think I should do based on their beliefs, perspectives, expectations, etc., instead of just letting me be and seeing where that flows. It really bothers me because it's like they're saying "you're not accepted and not enough as you are" and "I know what's better for your life than you do" and it makes me feel like people are in opposition to me, even when they have good intentions. People should really focus on their own lives and not try to change or control others.
You are focusing on what people should or shouldn't do, instead of accepting them for what they are. If you don't accept people, how are they going to accept you?
@@Life-Sky Thanks for the thought, but I disagree. I don't tell others how to live their life. Everyone makes their own choices. When there are things I don't like about someone or even when I think they could benefit by doing something else, I don't try to change them. Everyone is in charge of their own life experience. I really do accept people as they are, but it has been challenging for me to not be self-conscious and not care what other people think about me. (I'm getting there. It just takes practice.) I think being constantly disapproved of, rejected, belittled, overly controlled, emotionally abused, and not allowed to be myself throughout my life, no matter what I do, makes someone that way. I was extremely well-behaved as a kid, always doing what I was told, having faith that if I was obedient, everything would turn out okay. Well that didn't work, so I'm done with that. This gives more context to my first post and explains why it's important to me. I have to continue to become myself (make my own decisions and life direction) because for so much of my life I wasn't allowed to do so. There's also a feeling of being misunderstood. And I am sensitive to other people's energy which probably has amplified things. Some people in my life have hurt me, but I still love these people. Ultimately it's up to me to decide how much I want certain people to be in my life, if at all.
@@LutherAEvans It sounds like all your life people made you feel like you _are not good enough to be loved_ and that you have to do what they tell you to be accepted.
You seem determined to love yourself.
@@Life-Sky The abuse mainly comes from my mom. She was really horrific in how she raised me. In addition to me being her emotional punching bag for my entire life, she also sexually abused me when I was a kid, which led to over a decade of inner turmoil, self-loathing, shame, confusion, etc. I wasn't able to be the person that I would have been without all the trauma. I had to build myself up while I was still consistently being torn down and debilitated by her. I can get to very healthy places where I love myself, but she has only ever impeded my progress. Several months ago I reached a point in my healing where I began to feel extremely anxious and unsafe around her like I had to escape, which I did temporarily. I reached out to family members for help, but most of them don't get it because they're closer to her than me and they don't see her the same way I do because she didn't abuse them like she abused me. This leads to them gaslighting my entire life experience and saying things to me that are very inconsiderate. But like I said before, I still love these people. My mom isn't as bad as she used to be after I confronted her about the way she has treated me and left for like a week and a half. But she is still not able to just stay out of my way and let me be. It was highly distressful when I reached a point last week where I was doing better than I had for months, feeling so joyful and optimistic, loving myself, making progress, having healthy habits, and looking forward to my future, only to be knocked down again. So a major goal I have now is to not have to rely on her financially that way I can get away and feel free and safe to be myself without being bothered by her presence. Thank you for your replies, which allowed me to reply. I know I wrote lot. I guess I needed to say all of this to someone. 🙏
@@LutherAEvans You are doing amazing with what you were given.
You seem very resilient.
I struggle so much with the idea of purpose. I know that for me, the right way is that of aimlessness, flow and wu-wei and I try to steer my life in that directions. What works against me is the Western outlook on aimlessness and doing by not doing seeing me being a 'bum'. My internal doctrine is that Western view of purpose and achievement and I have trouble quietening it. I know that it is wrapped up in my Ego's need for validation from others and again this is something I'm am trying to steer away from. I guess that believing such Western thought for 40-odd years IS going to take some time to change. Thank you for the encouragement this video has given me.
So glad this was recommended to me by TH-cam. I've been completely exhausting myself trying to have a purpose and set these lofty goals. The spiritual community I'm part of seems so focused on this and it is very draining and feels not in line with my Wu Wei. Getting back in alignment with the Dao might mean I drop all these goals and the whole community but my spirit is just too drained by the whole experience and constant need for activity and has been trying to tell me to slow down and be and let the chips fall where they may. That feels SO MUCH better to me than the artificial, forced doing I've been focused on. Thank you Jason and the TH-cam algorithm 🙏
Thank you, Tate. It was awesome to converse with you on the livestream yesterday. I'm so happy you found my channel brother.
@@JasonGregoryAuthor Likewise! I hope to tune in live again 🙏
Jason. You are so interesting, articulate, and intelligent. Let’s all do our best to embody your philosophy. Wowie
Thank you for your kind words, Shannon. You are wonderful my friend.
Another great ask jason. Got my notification and watched it on the spot. I used to have week end plans and if something happened to changed this plans i got annoyed, borderline angry. and then, i said to myself : no more plans. i'll just do what i feel like. i feel more Zen since.
That is the way my friend. I think we've all been down the route of control and life is constantly ruining our plans, some of us learn and others continue to suffer. Glad to hear you got notifications turned on, it means a lot to know people care about this work. You're the best.
I know this was done a few years ago but what a great show. Great question, great answer. This talk meant a lot to me.
Man this is so wonderful and good. Love this way of being that you are speaking about. My life is like a cloud in the sky which is blown by the wind and this is a happy way. Love to you Bro, Bernardo.
That's awesome brother. Great to hear from you. Love you my friend.
I am so encouraged by all the comments here! So many awakening humans learning to let go and allow themselves to be present now. Amazing group!
Learn to love what you do and that might become your purpose.
Jason Gregory I can understand that because the way how the western world works is that you need to live a specific way to fit society standards
They sure do want us to live to certain standards brother. Thankfully, their are people like yourself who are made for not being molded to socialization.
Jason, your explanations of Taoism and living Wu Wei are some of the best, and most accessible to Westerners I've ever heard, and I have the deepest respect for both your scholarship in Eastern spiritual philosophies, and for your grasp of the fundamental principles, which can only come from a committed practice of those principles. "The Art of Effortless Living" was the first of your videos I encountered, and it had a profound impact for me -- I would recommend it, and often do so, to anyone who is beginning to awaken to the limitations inherent to Western cultural thinking. Watching it, I felt flooded with a sense of deep relief and gratitude, because although the teachings of Lao Tsu had accompanied me from the first days of my spiritual life, it was your explanation of Wu Wei that made me realize that this had always been an expression of the way I'd always wanted to live, the way that had always felt most natural to me, for as long as I could remember. The video generated for me, a sense of finally having permission to come home, only to realize that I'd always been at home all along.
After kundalini awakening I heard a voice from within tell me my lifes purpose, that this was only happening because I was ready, and that it was truth. It was an enlightening experience feeling kundalini shoot from root out of crown. I had 0 knowledge of spirituality before this, but knew some about consciousness. The voice wasnt audbile but it was energy that my brain transformed into knowing. After that, a replay on my lifes events was shown in my mind and all of my conditioning/traumas I had were seemingly wiped away. It felt like I went super saiyan.
This was a beautiful message, so easy to forget and conform to life's expectations. I've been living in the moment most of my life, however there are times when I think about the lives of others and make comparisons. Then I get guided to videos like this that affirm we're all on a unique path 😊🙏🏾
So glad you found my video, Daniel. Best to you my friend.
YES my mantra is find purpose in everything I do rather than go looking for a purpose
A concept so easy to overlook.
Well said my friend.
But how do you know what to do next without a purpose?
@@MakeDemocracyMagnificientAgain you're already assuming there's a next.
Also, whatever life throws at you
Wow. We need more people like Jason who are prepared to let people know how the real world works. Not worrying about the past or the future; but being in the now. Keep up the sublime work!
Wow Mary. Thank you for your kind words. Was great to see you at the livestream.
Pretty much what I needed right now. Namaste🙏
Thank you my dear friend.
Thank you so much for this cornerstone of a video. We hit the target when we stop aiming. I love it
Subscribed by the 3rd minute. I can tell you're genuine, look forward to delving into your other material
Welcome aboard, Jasp. Thank you my friend. Enjoy the content.
Living for the moment is only possible when everyone is enlightened to the point of not fearing death, poverty, and hunger.
This is true.
from my experience, my passions (dancing, MMA) are when i get to experience the flow state/wu wei and return to my true nature.... removal of the self. it's like a full cycle. yet if we live without the self 24/7, outside of our passions i'm sure we'd be passionate and happy about day to day life too. which is why the present moment is so abundant and precious.
when you're really content with what's happening to you right now, you don't wonder about your purpose. you don't think into the future or worry like that. you live beyond your mind.
Thankyou! You’ve just put words and affirmation to my current situation and issues! X
It is still very nice to see someone else that cares about others likewise
Glad you enjoy the content John.
Thank you brother Jason. Much love...I appreciate the time and effort you put into making this important Videos.
I'm glad you noticed, Emma. Only the best for you my friend.
My life's purpose was whatever I decided. Then, when I didn't accomplish my goals for adulthood (because, life) I realized the second part of that. Regardless of intention, life keeps moving. Meaning and purpose will happen throughout, it's a constant ebb and flow. Just remember to BE KIND AND HAVE FUN.
This is excellent, many thanks for posting.
Thank you dearly, Damian.
Thank you so much for this answer Jason, and thank you Aatif for the question!
Thank you so much! This has been wracking my brain for months, making me feel like something is broken about me for not having any particular goals or passion
“Normal” is the social contract. The system exists because of our adherence to its definition of what is acceptable and normal, which can often be anything but.
well said, as per modern living- social contract is the very concept about a nation-state where by birth and living you are by default accepting the social rules premeditated by law and its culture. This is what, at the root, causes some people to be compelled or feel justified in fighting against policies that they don't agree with. You never had that choice, right? So if you voice isn't heard or considered, you, by right would be allowed to make your say- technically. It sounds super heretical but the main point at what I'm getting at is the root of societies problems is the indescretions within social contract.
Thank you for the question and for the great explanation. 🙏
I absolutely love your videos jason Thankyou so much for what you do🙏🏼💛
Wow! Thank you for your wonderful appreciation, David. Best to you brother.
I like the non desiring and not rejecting of what happens. Just allowing and accepting what comes. Feels like in the flow of life. Also brings Peace of mind.
Very well said. Thank you for the
explanation & for the great
words of wisdom.
Yes. I'm glad someone is speaking sense on this issue.
I found it was a mistake of youth to believe that your life must serve some singular purpose. It's similar to people working a single job, a single role. People are just trying to fill in that old pattern with a new one.
Either way, I believe that it's best to live a life, not a goal. Though there's nothing wrong with having goals.
Beautifully said my friend.
Namaste my friend. This is exactly why I am so grateful to be a student in your classroom. Also, it is a good example of the value of a daoshi. (New word for me. lol. I hope that is appropriate.)
Thank you!! You’re videos are So helpful in daily life , to give our best without attachment and feel the Divine power always caring like mother. I’ve learnt a lot today. Shanti Shanti Shanti ❤😊
You said something very important near the end, “if other people have their opinions, it’s for them to work on.”
It seems many people don’t embrace this lifestyle because of what others will say or think.
Beautiful perspective, thank you ❤
Jason I am new to your content but like yourself I have spent and I am continuing to find the way. I enjoy your explanations and the parallelism btw the West/East philosophy. Great content and great explanations!!!....keep up the good work!! From Canada
Loki was always burdened by glorious purpose. This is great stuff, keep it up!
This is like the "Dad talk" you needed but never got. I like this viewpoint of purpose coming from passion and as a byproduct of that passion. Really cool way of looking at it. Many researchers consider what we experience as mind and consciousness as a side effect of the synaptic functioning of the brain. This viewpoint seems to also follow this natural process. Great vid, man. Thanks. Helps massively.
Haha, "Dad talk." Thank you my friend. So glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you Jason for this.
Thank you my friend. I appreciate your kind words.
Another interesting and excellent video, thank you for your guidance Jason.
My pleasure, Martin. I love nothing more than sharing with great people like yourself.
My purpose is to be happy! Life is a beach!
Very interesting view! I think there is some value to purpose though in that it gives people meaning AKA a reason to live and this is the best therapy for suicide prevention (logotherapy). I think the problem is how we define purpose in our Western culture. The definition is usually tied to monetary value (career), which is tied to identity. So when people ask what you do and it doesn't match your so-called identity, people get very insecure about it. But purpose can be as simple as maintaining a garden, taking care of a pet, organizing a vacation for your family. Being of service to anything greater than yourself (and not necessarily for money).
Interestingly what really is the test is when you loose everything. It's seems easy to be aimless or go with the flow when in fact your quite well off.
I discovered Buddhism/Daoism through loosing everything as I was quite well off. Now accepting an very unwealthly life suits me fine . Accepting and not fighting against it. It's actually very peaceful ☺️
Not needing to have a purpose relieves a lot of stress around trying to glean insights from contemplation.
Hi Jason, thank you for this video. It has been difficult for me to keep up with this linear, purpose-driven lifestyle, especially living in the United States. However, your insights has been helpful for me as a college student. I'm not really competitive and just want to live a simple life, connecting myself to nature and to my ancestors. You and a few youtubers such as George Thompson have been helpful for me understand Daoist philosophy. Thank you.
Thanks. Now i don't have to worry even if I cannot find that purpose in life.
Video is so relevant to how I've been feeling as of late. I have been on this enlightenment path for a number of years before I realize that I was on it but the last 5 years or so things have fell in place to where I'm retired one and don't have to work and can really spend time detaching from all these older paradigms. And these questions have been coming to mind as to purpose and what's it all for? But because of my practice I've been able to come to this conclusion that this video is talking about and it seems I'm on the right path. I'm definitely aimless and loving it
Love it! Thanks for the questions and answers! 🙏🙏🙏
As American's we are entrenched in constant growth and improvement , without buying into this constant linear progress hyperbole emotional stimulating growth myth we evolve into social misfits in our circles . Our whole political ,market force, educational , judicial system has tenacles entangled in this rock solid myth. Seeing through this , understanding Jason's communication on the fact of ISNESS is really a good way to maintain sanity.
“Purpose”. I went to bed thinking about getting some sort of purpose in life and woke up at about 4am and found your talk about “Purpose”.
Really enjoyed what you said and is good advice.thx
That's amazing Stephen. I'm glad I still made sense at 4am. Thank you my friend.
I find that the difference is in HAVING TO reach a goal rather than WANTING TO reach that goal. The latter is way softer and gentle and allows for freedom in that we don't have an interior pressure to achieve it. Rather we genuinely live to get there, enjoying the process
Beautiful, thank you 🙏
Thank you dearly, Johan, for your wonderful comment.
" The flow has no goal (Aim) in life 🧬, It is one in Harmony with goodness of life. =Success 🙌
Thats really helpful and very wise. I have been through a number of personal development seminars with various gurus. Indeed they go on about goals and purpose. I had to karate chop a piece of wood with the words "commit" written on it to signify going for a goal. It didnt work of course because it was not a natural development in my life. Now i have found purpose without all of that as a byproduct of doing something i enjoy. That is writing. I have finished a final draft of my first book.
Love this video as well as the one about why goals are unnatural - thank you for pointing out these things!
Have been a very goal-oriented person since I’ve been a kid - but the last couple of years ‘life just got in the way’ and I’ve been frustrated with the feeling of not having a purpose or goal - but now I’ve figured that goals are not essential to life - it’s a measuring stick and framework we have forced onto life, and life (we) cannot live up to it for all time - sometimes we have a purpose - like a problem to be solved or a deed to do - but most of the time we just - well - are.
And that is as it supposed to be - no striving, no forcing. :)
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Simon. All the best my friend.
Just live life with wisdom, dont force purpose. Experience life is the purpose for itself
Very very good information! You are in your flow Jason!
Thank you, Lk. Glad I can be of service my friend.
"Whatever is resonating with your core in that moment"... that sentence got dropped in passing but has huuuge implications. A lot of yoga practices (perhaps especially in kriya yoga) are directed to the core awakening, the reconnection with the intuition, the inner voice, the soul speaking to us. How do you, Jason, differentiate when it's your lower mind wanting to do something or when it's a calling coming from your core? Perhaps that could be the subject of another video?
In great gratitude for your "doings" in this world :)
A few weeks ago, my mother said to me "you should think about having a life plan". "Well, I think about that all the time, you know my issues" I replied. Well it's true. No wife, no kids, a job I'm not comfortable with, same for the city I live, bad luck with recent housing choices... She's worried about what I'll become when she passes away, that's understandable. And then I realized, well, after all, I don't want to have a life plan, that's what I've turned away from all my life. I'm a lonely guy, so what, that's who I am. I came to that city thinking I'll go back then stayed. Well I guess I wanted to stay. So... I just want to remember how to let things happen, one step at a time, and not force things (mistake I did recently). Thinking right now about those words from "The Road Not Taken" : "Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back". Thanks for the video, in the western world we're all so concerned about plans, it's good to be reminded about Wu Wei concepts.
Beautiful, just what I needed. Thank you.
As long as I don’t aim,
I won’t miss.
With the catalpa bow
I shoot an arrow
toward the open sky.
- Ryokan
Very simple yet nuanced and very helpful video! I admire spiritual people who intrinsically and intuitively understand the counter-intuitive nature of life and yet are able to explain it to people. Most spiritual masters can't because they're so spiritually caught up that their communication fails to explain to their "followers" spirituality. Most spiritual people tend to explain things very dualistically, which of course they often don't care much about, because the spiritual world is devoid of words, it's fully intuitive language in which they believe the other person taught to will understand exactly what they mean. But oftentimes, the follower does not have his intuition developed at the level of the master and needs to start his path with words and explanations, paradoxes of life, etc...
And well, the counter-intuitive idea and paradox of purpose is often not explained correctly which puts followers in a dualistic path where they think they should or believe purpose is inherently good and the Universe has a purpose or they get completely caught up in the Nihilistic Purposelessness of Life. What needs to occur is the understanding of the Non-Duality of both those at the same time. In other words that the path are combined together as one: Understanding that the Universe is Purposeless but yet relatively speaking, one can find purpose in the empty nature of consciousness, thereby by being empty can it be fueled in the healthiest way.
Spiritual teachers (in my humble opinion) are the best when they are generalists and holistic in both their spiritual world and intuition and in explaining via simple yet nuanced and paradoxical means. Thankyou Jason for this video!
Do things (work, write books, etc.) because it is fun IN THE MOMENT! Just as you solve a puzzle for the pleasure of being exposed to a challenge you should work and achieve because being challenged and solving problems is fun.
I used to play golf. Then I stopped and started mountainbiking. I liked the peace I got from mountainbiking because there was no failing. Now I play golf again, and need to learn to do it aimlessly.
Great information!
Thank you, Alain.
I get what you're saying about the western vs eastern comparison. Being an asian, I never got the hang of the hustle culture and I think it's b.s. It seems very unnatural forcing yourself to wake up the same time, do the same things just to get what you want etc. I found Taoism and Buddhism in 2018 and it gave me a breather. I don't need to have a goal to actually live and be human. Thanks for this thoughtful video!
Thank you for the wonderful comment my friend. Well said.
We are animals that move through space and time.. In my world view, this is why they call it the Way. That said, if you have no idea where you are, then simply resting may be as satisfying and efficacious as moving. Yet, eventually, it seems to me, there can be no life without conscious and cumulative movement. The sense of where you are comes from trial, error, remembering and choosing. This is what has worked for me. Eventually it looks like purpose and passion.
Joe Walsh wrote a very complimentary song to this talk entitled," Ordinary, Average Guy". You should give a listen.
Love that song - thanks for reminding me about it!
Never heard of this song. I just finished listening to it and I like it. Ordinary average people are growing rare in this narc-cov2 age. Thanks
thank you for that clear lesson! yeah! just let loose of the mind and drifting with the winds
You explain it so well. It always fascinates me when I see something on internet that is so relevant to my life. Yesterday I just arrived at the conclusion that I need a goal in order to get meaning from life. I understand now that I can still have it but the most important thing seems to be passionate about the process. Thank you sir
Well said Nicolas. Thank you my friend.
Thank you Jason! This helped me so much. I have found myself trying to unravel the mystery of existence and what it means to exist. I basically gave up on that task. In watching this video I have realized that I have forgotten the meaning of effortless living and allowing life to flow without a need to solve it. Also I have a question about chapter 21 of the tao te Ching “now dim, now abstract: within it real existence is at hand darkly. Caverness and like a moonless night: within it is the quintessence. The quintessence is the extreme truth: within it is the stamp of proof” what does it mean when he’s saying within it is the extreme truth
Thank you as always, Preston. Life is not something to be solved, as you beautifully realized. What translation of the Tao Te Ching are you reading?
@@JasonGregoryAuthor William Scott Wilson’s translation.
They did an interesting experiment in chaos theory. They measured how many neurons fired with math problems of various complexity. They found that the neurons were the most "chaotic" with complex problems. The simpler the problem, the fewer neurons were fired. Therefore, chaos is essential for order and the functioning of reason in the brain because it casts a wider net in finding potential solutions in the brain. For me, Taoism is a form of chaos theory.
I think another good way to look at it, for people who are struggling to let go of a purpose driven mindset, is to put yourself into a training period where you work on minimizing the effort and complexity of accomplishing the things you feel need to be accomplished. over time, this will make those tasks easier and less drama filled, which will render you more antifragile when things don't go the way you'd like.
as you get used to doing this, it will become natural to apply it to everything, and in a surprisingly short time (maybe a few months, maybe a few years, depending on the person, but that time will pass anyway, and once it has it won't seem like it was a long time at all) you will end up living very much in accordance with what this video is suggesting. and I would wager, at least close enough that things this video are saying will start to make much more sense than they currently might.
Omg I looovee this. Thank you immensely. More people need to hear this.
I'm so happy you found it, Melissa. Best to you.
Yes the ‘positive’ characteristics are so much more beneficial then anything else, you hit the nail on the head, if everyone just worked on being a compassionate loving human being then yeah the world would be a much calmer happier place
Absolutely love this!
Living 'Synchronistically' ~ "i have no destination, therefore i'm never lost" . . . .
Such great advice - this has helped me a lot. Thank you.
That's great news. Thank you my friend.
Omg thank you. I've had the same idea but didn't see any support from others, especially with all the stress and meaningfulness made on the idea of a purpose. I too have felt more at peace when I gave up on the purpose idea
Beautifully stated Sakura. Thank you my friend. You're not alone in your natural way of thinking.
I was thinking about purpose (while brushing my teeth, because that's when all the deep thoughts happen lol) and how it would be nice to shake the mental pressure of "having purpose". Thank you for this video, I was meant to find it.
I'm so glad you found it, Jess. Great to hear from you.
Im diggin' it Jason! What are your thoughts on the core of Lester Levensons work and the Sedona method? Not the business of it but the idea behind it. Thanks my friend
Great.. best video I saw this month and I see a lot on spirituality ..
Love and respect from India 🌹
Only love for India, Vaibhav.
Great video Jason. Great question, it's my biggest struggle that I've been dealing with on a personal and professional level. I find that the challenge is discovering the appropriate approach in finding my purpose and passion. Most importantly my question is how do I reconcile not having attachment to purpose to sustainable living? Awesome content Jason thanks.
Then, it's much more beautiful to live without a specific purpose than to reduce my whole life to a limited serie of shorts peaks of pleasure. Because, in the end, that is all what the fulfillment of goals can bring to us.
Thank you for this.
I must say very good question, it was indeed also for me helpfull! Thank you both for question and answer.
I'm so glad it helped you, Valerie.
Yeah that realy makes sense, like sensational sense, feeling sense. Not in the brain but from intuition. When i talk to a friend about these things we always come to the conclusion that everything is just backwards, everything is like its meant to be but we always turn things upside down :D
Hi J.❤
You are the Levinson Wood of Spiritual Teaching! I just
L❤VE it J. Your "FAN- FOOKING- TASIC! My friend!
👍..😇❤❤❤❤❤🙏🕉
Haha, I love it, Lawrence. Thank you my friend.
My guess is the goal/work/purpose/non-purpose is to be the best example of love/peace/right-action in any situation. I think the NDE's talking about being not finished and having to come back is fixing ourselves to be a good example, touching others lives and radiating out that example.
Hi Jason, awesome video! As I sit here with a copy of the book The Impersonal Life I feel there is allot of overlap between this Mystical Christian teaching and that of The Dao.... 😊
Cheers Matthew. Glad you enjoyed brother.