In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna lays out a plan for Arjuna which begins with the instruction to “find his dharma” or true purpose.
Later on he goes on to counsel that you are better off failing at your own dharma than succeeding at someone else’s.
I’ve been reading the Bhagavad Gita for decades. My childhood fascination with the concepts of karma and dharma inspired my love of this ancient text.
These ideas were completely contrary to the Judeo-Christian neighborhoods where I lived. Still, it was the *perfect* environment for my personal ‘dharma’ to assert itself. I could not see it at the time. Hindsight is 20/20.
Humans are multifaceted creatures and not everything about ourselves can be understood, without some serious digging or soul searching. Self-reflection, self-awareness, self-study without judgement is worth the time.
Astrology is an unparalleled tool for self-discovery. Yoga is another. Together they are……miraculous. With regards to purpose, karma, and dharma, the natal horoscope provides a lot of information about past lives as well as present life solutions, and future life possibilities. The lunar nodes, the 12th house, the placement of Pluto/Saturn, retrograde planets, are other places to look for clues to one’s purpose.
This topic can be delivered in a workshop/retreat format. Contact Ida for details.
Finding our true selves and/or our true purpose can be a life long pursuit or recognized in a flash of intuition. Both are challenging at best. Here’s the essence of what Krishna shared with Arjuna.
- First, discover what your dharma (purpose) is.
- Then, do it full out, hold nothing back. Give it your full attention.
- Next, let go of the ‘fruits of the action’ or said another way, detach from the outcome.
- And finally, dedicate your actions to the greater good of all beings.
THE PROGRAM
Thru discussion, experiential exercises meditation and yoga therapy we come to understand Dharma, karma, and purpose, and thereby know ourselves better.
We begin with a short lecture on The Lunar Nodes and their importance in both Western & Eastern Astrology. There’s a perspective that is gained that is helpful when considering purpose vs ambition, or old ways vs new ways, or death vs (re)birth.
You will learn how the south node holds the information from our past lives and encourages us to take the easy way out of most situations. There is no (evolutionary) growth without conscious effort and we will be stuck in our old patterns doomed to repeat the wheel of karma without any progress, until we come to understand how the North Node leads us forward.
All Welcome. No prior knowledge needed.