The one true purpose of life: Taking shelter of God
Human life appears complex, yet its true purpose is profoundly simple: to take shelter of God and advance ourselves spiritually. The Bhagavad Gita (15.7) states that we are souls, eternal parts of God. If we were merely our bodies, then why are these bodies discarded after death-burned or buried without hesitation, even by those dearest to us? The answer is clear: the body is not our true identity. We are souls, and souls do not die. However, merely recognising this truth is not enough.
As eternal souls, we continue to wander through different bodies and species according to the Karmaphala Principle — “as you sow, so shall you reap.” Throughout this journey, we face sickness, old age, and death. We move helplessly under the influence of the three modes of nature-goodness, passion, and darkness. The Gita describes how goodness binds us with happiness, passion binds us with desires and restless activity, and darkness binds us with ignorance, laziness, and delusion.
These modes form not only our bodies but also shape our tendencies, choices, and life outcomes. Is our situation hopeless? Not at all. God’s grace is available, but we must consciously take shelter in Him. The first step is strengthening the mode of goodness within ourselves. As Krishna explains, whatever we place our faith in, we eventually become (17.3). When we cultivate goodness, it becomes our nature and leads us to live by maryada — social and moral discipline. From maryada arises dharma, the foundation of fairness and order in creation. Dharma pleases God, who incarnates whenever it declines (4.7).
Once established in goodness, we naturally move towards seva-selfless service. Souls are meant to serve; creation cannot function if everyone seeks only enjoyment. Wealth or privilege can produce the illusion that others exist to serve us, but life quickly reminds us how dependent and helpless humans truly are. The wise choose service until their last breath, remaining useful and respected. Those who serve cultivate humility, which is essential for taking shelter of God. As we obey God’s instructions and serve others, a deeper connection forms-God begins to guide and shape His devotee’s life personally.
God’s guidance is invaluable. Who can guide us better than the Omniscient? When we pray sincerely, God gives direction, strength, and protection. Krishna promises, “For those who worship Me with undivided devotion, I provide what they lack and preserve what they have” (9.22). True peace comes only from God’s mercy; without it, happiness remains distant, and people settle for fleeting sense pleasures that ultimately drain them.
Yet, in daily life, what do we usually do? We study, work, earn, struggle, age, and eventually face death with uncertainty. No amount of wealth, power, fame, or knowledge brings lasting peace or security. The cycle of birth continues, life after life, with little spiritual progress.
The conclusion is clear: we must actively take shelter of God-now. Delay only prolongs our suffering. The wise reject this endless cycle, strive for liberation while living (jeevan mukti), and ultimately gain entry into Vaikuntha, our eternal home.
The writer is a spiritual teacher; views are personal
