What is the meaning of 'life' for a human species? Is it mere survival or a purposive living process?

Question

Is there role for faith and choice while living? Is satisfaction guided by economic and social factors only; or there is a spiritual dimension to it? What does your religion say about it?

Answer 1

Human life is certainly a purposive life and not a mere survival. As some one has already commented that this has been the most fundamental issue that every religion has ever addressed. What is the purpose of life is the second question on which people differ in their answers.

To me it is to realize oneself by getting ones own identity by understanding ones own nature. Then to do the appointed duty, without further choosing, in a conscious manner not bothering about the outcome. But it does not mean that one should not monitor to see whether the intended goal is approached by trading the adopted path. Choice less Conscious living means constant monitoring without being choosy about the appointed duty.

This is what Plato has said in his 'Republic' about Justice in the human soul and that in the Ideal State. This is in brief the teaching of Geeta in Hindu philosophy. This is what Sirdi Saibaba expects his disciples to do. This is the most secular treatise which is equally applicable to the Atheists, the Agnostics as well as the devotees of God.

Answer 2

After my ex-husband died last year I became very interested in death and was at a friends house and saw a book by MICHAEL NEWTON, PH.D., called,"Journey of Souls". Very interesting about people who are hypnotized because of a problem that won't go away even with help from doctors. Mr. Newton hypnotizes them and finds out what the problem is and in the process discovered pass lives and life in between lives. He has a second book called, "Destiny of Souls". I strongly recommend these books. I feel much better about death as I used to be extremely fearful of death. Now that I have loved ones on the other side I am more curious.

Answer 3

Human life is a great opportunity to understand the creation comprising the living beings including the fellow beings, the flora and fauna and the creator behind this creation. It has a purpose and a sublime purpose. By serving the creation, we can serve the creator. The Creator for us does not exist beyond His creation.

Is it not what Lord Krishna showed to Arjun according to the Hindu philosophy and what Swamiji has propounded in his talks that service to mankind is service to God.

Answer 4

There is only one sure purpose for human
as well as any other animal. That is the perpetuation and survival of the species. As long as you contribute to that you have fulfilled your purpose in life. xx

Answer 5

The meaning of life for mankind is the utilization of reason and understanding to understand their self and their relationship with all things. Man has the ability to understand reality this gives him the ability to understand himself through what he sees. This goes further than just the conquest to know all things, but also the interaction with others is also a process of self identify. So to sum this up, the meaning of life is self discovery and knowledge period. So to know all things in their broader of senses is my answer in one sentence.

This is what every religion seeks through mystical, spiritual, and mystical-observational means and what science seeks through material observation. This is what fuels the beginning of all religions, scriptures. And definitely what has brought science to it's state now.

Answer 6

Life – it has a meaning and loving purpose - you just have to find your purpose and live it.

I believe every person is here for a definite purpose. Each person is special and valuable; that refers to me, you, your family, friends, in fact everybody! There is a loving plan for each of our lives here on earth and there is no such thing as coincidence. I don't believe that anything in life happens by chance and that every aspect of our lives points to something deeper.

You need to decide now to live for God rather than for yourself. You spend your life on Earth preparing yourself (as best you can) for death. I don't see death as a scary, negative experience, but birth into a bliss filled eternal life with God. I believe that this is something you have to consciously choose or not during your life on earth.

The meaning of life is for us to discover that we are true children of an infinitely loving and merciful God, to find out what our responsibilities are to our Creator, and to fulfill those responsibilities. Each of us is called to affirm, accept and develop the talents God has given us. -

Answer 7

God has given us each a purpose. In general, we are to help the people of the earth, our neighbors.

We are to be "seasoning" and "light" in a world that many see as tasteless and dark.

Answer 8

the purpose of life is to live for others and sacrificing for others ,striving for the betterment of the oppressed, suppressed, depressed, marginalized, down trodden, sections of the society and people in abyss. to lead life like a noble soul, religion is unnecessary. all the political thinkers and philosophers preached the same.IF WE HAVE CHOSEN WORK IN WHICH WE CAN ACCOMPLISH, THE MOST FOR MANKIND, THEN NO BURDENS CAN BOW US,BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY SACRIFICES FOR EVERY ONE.THEN WE ENJOY NO POOR EGOISTIC JOY, FOR HAPPINESS BELONGS TO MILLIONS, OUR DEEDS LIVE ON ETERNALLY, AND OUR ASHES ARE WATERED BY THE TEARS OF NOBLE HUMAN BEINGS----KARL MARX. "THE GOOD LIVE FOR OTHERS ALONE,.THE WISE MAN SHOULD SACRIFICE HIM SELF FOR OTHERS-----SWAMI VIVEKANANDA.

Answer 9

Purposive? Somewhere Bush is saying "missed one!"

Answer 10

Wow....you just asked the most sterotyped religous question in the world...

The reason it is so:
There is no answer....only GOD knows...


The meaning of life.....yeesh...