Four stages of finding purpose
Building a complex meaning system in life can be described in terms of a four stage process that involves focusing attention alternately on the Self and on the Other. The stages are:
Biological Survival — Each person starts with the need to preserve the self biologically, to ensure biological needs of the body like food, shelter, procreation are met. Human body being a product of nature, it’s needs are primal and override all other objectives. From the point of view of nature the meaning of life is simple, it tantamount to survival, maximization of comfort, pleasure and ensuring continuation of the species.
Community engagement— When the survival of physical self is no longer in doubt and primal needs are being met, the person may choose to expand the horizon of his or her meaning system to embrace values of a community — the family, the neighborhood, a religious or ethnic group. Here what is meaningful corresponds to group values. By conforming to conventional norms prescribed by the society, the religious heads and governments, one seeks to contribute to a larger cause and seek fulfillment of emotional needs by connecting with fellow beings and experiencing both positive and negative emotions attached to human relationships. In this stage one strives to derive meaning and purpose by gaining admiration, acceptance and respect of the community. Majority of the people are comfortably ensconced in the second stage of evolution where welfare of the family, the company, the community and finally the nation are sources of meaning.
Reflective individualism — Having achieved a sense of belonging to a larger human system, the person now feels the need to realize the self more deeply by turning inwards. This is the beginning of the ‘spiritual quest’. One is no longer conforming to rules imposed from outside and strives to develop an autonomous conscience. In this stage one experiments with different ideas, skills and disciplines and the main goal in life is growth, improvement and actualization of individual potential. At this stage inner joy rather than pleasure based on external things becomes the main source of rewards. This phase involves becoming a seeker and taking the path few have travelled before which tests the limits of individual capability. This stage is also the stage for some of the deepest flow experiences since the seeker knows how to filter the distractions and remains steadfastly focused on his aim fully aware that the aim is not stationary. As the seeker broadens his horizons and gets deeper insights, he starts transforming from within and it is this transformation that is a source of joy and fulfillment for the seeker. Very few reach this stage of reflective individualism.
Merging with the larger Self — Precious few emerge from the stage of reflective individualism having realized the Self and the ‘True purpose of life’. Like the Buddha, they then let the river take control of the boat and willingly merge their identity into that of a larger whole. Brimming with knowledge, wisdom and experience they share everything they have got for the benefit of the world and become a beacon of hope for all.
