Yogic insight is a form of analysis, which allows each Yoga practitioner to find logical and rational answers to questions that confuse each of us. 'Why are we here?' is a question which has puzzled humankind since the beginning.
In answering this question, great temples and monuments have been built. Holy Scriptures have been written in every language. Yet, people still ask, "Why they are here?" Answers to our purpose are often based on religious, political, or scientific knowledge.
Each religion might have a slightly different answer. Each culture may have different viewpoints. Historically, political systems often told the masses that serving the state is our purpose. Yet, the variety of reasons for our existence has been a source of political conflict, holy wars, and hate crimes - for thousands of years.
Why we exist is a complex answer, if it is based upon our cultural, religious, and political beliefs. However, let's approach this question with a Yogic mindset. We are here for a reason (hetu). Most of us believe our reason for being here is a divine plan. This is a matter of faith (sraddha).
However, if someone is a pure atheist and only believes in a scientific explanation, we are still here for a reason and that reason might be pure luck. How else could we scientifically explain the gathering of elements, on a planet, precisely the distance from the sun, to sustain life?
Again, if we pursue this from a purely scientific viewpoint, the chances of what has happened on earth would be extremely rare around the universe. Therefore, from a scientific perspective, the reason we are here is "good luck." It is ironic that science is worldly (loukika) and struggles with the concept of luck.
With all this said, the universal solution as to why we are here is still not answered. None of us knows why we are here until we find a true purpose (dharma). Even if we have not found our true purpose, we can adopt a happy mindset. This is a key element to having a complete life.
If we display acts of kindness toward others, we are filled with happiness in two ways. Firstly, doing for others always makes one feel good. Secondly, most people react to kindness with kindness. There is no need to wait for the other person to make the first move.
The teachings within Yoga are universal - regardless of your culture, political beliefs, religion, age, gender, or any other differences between people. The common link between people, from all parts of the world, is their desire to be happy - even if they don't recognize it.
We know that Yoga was developed to end misery (dukha) and suffering. The opposite of suffering is happiness and bliss. Therefore, our purpose is to cultivate and disperse bliss (rasa).
