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