Be it the path of renunciation or that of a householder, the purpose of life itself remains the same as explained by Jagadguru Svami Sri Nischalananda Sarasvatiji Maharaja, Shankaracharya of Puri (Maharajaji).
There are three gems that have to be attained by us all. These are –
- Bhakti (devotion to Bhagavan)
- Vairagya (detachment)
- Bodha (knowing/understanding Truth)
If we can attain these three we are considered to be successful in all – brahmachari, grihastha, vanaprastha and sannyasa.
To jump into a burning furnace using ones discernment is sannyasashrama. To jump into a reservoir that is pleasing and sweet, is grihastha. In the first one burns and finishes, in the second drowns and finishes. Neither are meant for bhog and raga (attachments).
The whole creation by Parmatma is to be able to attain Him. Even our livelihood is meant for our life, life is not meant just for a livelihood.
Life is meant for attainment of the biggest wealth – Jagadishvara.