I’ve tried to find my swadharma, but nothing interests me much. Especially for academics, it’s boring. I took Environmental Science because it’s nature-related. I’ve tried to find my Swadharma, but I feel I don’t really have any inclination. I’ve never been able to read autobiographies, as well I avoided them. Read self-help books in a hurry to find a solution to procrastination. Can you suggest some books on the lives of the Great Ones? I’ve been reading Rays of Light and and sunlit path occasionally. I really like Letters to my little rose, which was suggested by you. It’s beautiful…
The swadharma is in the soul. It is the way the Divine seeks to express Himself in us. Jobs, books, etc, are means, and if aligned to the swadharma, so much the better. If not aligned, then being successful from outer worldly point of view has no meaning.
Generally, the swadharma corresponds to one of the four parts of our being that is taking the lead in one particular life. These parts form an evolutionary ladder for the soul to come out of ignorance. When one regards the body and the physical world as experienced through the senses, then the right way is to take up something that involves physical work, such as art and craft and sculpture and farming, etc. When we are largely centered in the vital experiencing life through emotions and vital energy, then business and enterprises that connect us with people and resources are good. When one is centered in the vital, but it seeks to expand and has traits of leadership, then military, various command and control, governance, and administration help in self-discovery. Finally, when we are centered in the mind and seek to know, then one need to pursue different forms of knowledge.
Once one has completed this elementary schooling, then one is ready for the true spiritual life. Then the outer rules apply less and less. One has to see what helps one connect more and more with the Divine. All the rest is secondary.
One needs great inner sincerity and courage to see what is one’s true inner need.
As to books on the lives of great ones, pick and choose based on your interest. The Life of Sri Aurobindo by Rishabchand is amazing. So too the life of Swami Vivekananda. See who else interests you. It is a time when you can learn much. Instead of being preoccupied with oneself, one should spend time learning and understanding the mysteries of life, developing new skills, and exploring new possibilities.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
