Nonetheless, I feel some of these systems may have limited value for those of us who have not had a spiritual experience, to determine our place in this world, or our svabhāva. I would appreciate your take on such personality classifications, especially given how real their proponents take them to be, and how seriously they develop them. Also, do you happen to have any advice for someone who is unable to figure out a decent intersection of passion/interest and career? Thank you 🙂
There was a time, long back, when I read many of these things. Found all of them not only grossly inadequate and limited but also missing the core of human nature, the person behind the personality. It is very much like the story of blind men searching for the elephant in the room and drawing their own conclusions about what the elephant likely is. This half-knowledge never attracted me. If a knowledge system cannot answer all my questions, then it is of little usefulness to a seeker of complete knowledge.
As to usefulness, I agree, anything and everything can be useful as a tool in a given moment, but that doesn’t make it true and worth pursuing, especially when there are many other and better methods. No time or interest to write on these viewpoints.
Yes, one should study oneself and see what engages one most. It is not so much about interest, which is rather something superficial and dependent on external factors. Passion is better, but a temporary guide. It is more like a shot of adrenaline that doesn’t usually last long. One has to feel one’s heart, what triggers a spontaneous surge of love and gives a deeper joy, the sense of an inner satisfaction and fulfilment. That is the indication.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
