Living Your Purpose

By Boobalan Nagendran

Why do you need to live a purposeful life?
What are the 11 secrets for a highly purposeful and successful living?
Why is living a purposeful life is an ultimate secret for a super successful life?
This book answers all the above questions and takes you through the journey of success. Several important secrets of success are revealed where you may find the answers that you are desperately looking for. The missing link between a successful life and complete life is discussed. One may be successful but may not be complete where in lies the difference between a great life and an ordinary life and this book will inspire you to live a great life – a life that you always wanted to live.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Notion Press
• Release date: Jan 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9789352065561

Book preview

yourself.

Chapter 1

The Great Meeting: The foremost secret of success revealed

It was 2:00 AM. Bob tossed about in bed, gazing at the moon. The full moon shone with all its charm and splendor. To Bob, though, the moon looked dull and gloomy, mirroring his state of mind.

Haunting memories of the past were storming his mind. He hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in almost a week. Bob, I don’t think I can continue in this relationship. I am concerned about your financial condition. I should have thought this before. Somehow, passion blinded my rationality. I cannot live with someone who is a financial failure. Let’s bring this to an end. Those strong words from his girlfriend were still reverberating in his ears. He couldn’t believe that his relationship with his girlfriend had ended for not earning enough. He believed that he had failed in life.

The clock ticked on, and the moon letting go of its dominance, to the rising sun. This amazing lesson of letting go that the night taught was not apparent to Bob. He forgot the truth that there was an end to everything. In life, irrespective of whom or what one is, irrespective of their success and failure, one cannot hold on to things or people forever. When it is time, we have to let go off all we hold dear. His confused state of mind was not ready to see this reality.

Bob, get ready. You have an appointment with the counselor at 9:00 this morning! shouted his mother from the ground floor.

Shucks! What is this counselor going to do to me? Is he going to fix my broken heart? Will he make my life better by showing me the way to success, or how to make money? Is he going to teach me how to regain my lost love? That is not going to happen! He is going to give me some crappy feel good tips or maybe a pep talk. That is not going to help me regain what I’ve lost! It’s going to be such a waste of time! Bob mumbled to himself. He did not have the energy to argue, so he did as his mother ordered.

The counselor was a man in his forties. Bob narrated all that had happened to him. The counselor patiently listened and then said, Okay, Bob. Thank you for sharing all that. I strongly believe that you need a break. Go on a vacation by yourself. That’s all I have for you today.

Bob was surprised. All the ideas he had about the counselor, the pep talks, the tips on relationship handling and the like, all of that went out of the window. Deep in his heart, he believed that what the counselor said was right. He needed a break to look at things from a different perspective.

Back at home, he rested on the couch, aimlessly flipping channels on the television. The remote in his hand proved the fact that too many options on hand if not wisely chosen are equal to no options leading to confusion.

He sat up. Something he saw on the television caught his attention. His fingers were happy for the break from the arduous work they did on the remote. It was a documentary on the Great Pyramids of Egypt.

The breathtaking view of the pyramids and the vast expanse of the desert nourished by the Nile inspired Bob. He wanted to bury his sorrows in the sands of the mighty River Nile. He could not hold onto the heaviness of his heart anymore. A sense of urgency filled Bob, and he wanted to be in Egypt as soon as possible.

Bob prepared for his journey in haste and within a week, he was on the flight from Bangalore to Cairo. Something strongly pulled him toward Egypt. Little did he imagine that he would be a different person when he was back!

04-May-12, 7:00 AM: Cairo Airport. He felt the power of the Pyramids from the airport. He was in a frenzy to see the pyramids. He grabbed a quick breakfast, hired a guide and rushed to the Great Pyramid of Giza. The first sight of the pyramids at a distance awakened the subtle energies in his system, and he went into a trance-like state.

When he reached the pyramids, the guide took him right up to the pyramids. Still in a semi trance-like state, he felt as if every stone of the pyramids called out to him. Inside the pyramid, he felt at home. He touched every stone with love and care, as if he had built it.

He relished every second in the Pyramid and was filled with a deep sense of fulfillment. As he walked out, his thoughts went to the amount of effort, pain, and sacrifice that had gone into building this great structure. This realization helped him bury his hurt and pain, at least temporarily. After so many weeks, he felt relaxed.

Once he was out of the Pyramid, he wandered over to one of the many souvenir shops near the Pyramid. His eyes fell on a small statute. The sight of it filled his heart with an immense sense of reverence and peace.

He asked the shopkeeper, who was hovering around, Sir, who is this?

"Oh, that’s the chief high priest, Nefertem. Egyptians believe that he was a very powerful and a wise master during his time. He was also considered to be the God of healing!"¹ the man replied.

Interesting! I’ll take that, please pack it up for me, Bob told him.

Back at the hotel, Bob unwrapped the statue and placed it on a corner table at one end of the room, before going to bed. It had been an exciting day, and he felt tired after it all. In no time, he drifted off into a deep blissful sleep. At 3:00 AM, Bob was awakened by the call of nature. When he opened his eyes, he saw a bright light coming from a corner of the room. He did not remember turning on the light before he went to bed. So, what was it?

Moving slowly toward the light, he felt his hair stand on end. His heart was racing, and he broke into a sweat. The light emanated from the statue of Nefertem. It shone brightly in the dark of night.

Bob, he heard a voice calling his name. He was trembling and wanted to run from the room.

My child, Bob, do not be afraid. It is I, Nefertem, speaking to you. I am here to help and guide you. This is not a hallucination, calm yourself, said Master Nefertem. The assuring voice of master gave Bob some courage.

My child, it is your destiny that I have to meet you, now. Our relationship is not new; I have known you for many lives. I have been with you all along. Now, this is the time I have to be with you, to help you, finding yourself. Think of the feeling you had at the souvenir shop when you first saw the statue of me. Recollect the feeling of reverence and peace you experienced. Calm down my child! said Master Nefertem.

Okay… Okay… Bob said. His voice was husky. He could not believe what he heard and saw.

I was your teacher in the past. It is my duty, to help you come out of the trouble you are in now. You were born to achieve something great. It is my duty to help you live a magnificent life if you permit. What do you say? asked Master Nefertem.

Bob felt like he was being cradled in an ocean of peace and bliss. He realized that he was not dreaming. He was standing in front of a person who appeared to possess extraordinary qualities. In typical Eastern style, he knelt down before his teacher.

Master, help me regain my happiness. Help me succeed and make money. Help me regain my lost life. I find it difficult to carry this pain for long! Bob heard himself say.

Sure, my child. However, are you ready to learn the secrets of success? They are very simple. Unfortunately, they have been complicated by people, said Master Nefertem.

Yes, Master, said Bob with confidence.

"Following the simple secrets of success you will regain your lost kingdom. A word of caution. Do not believe what I say blindly. You are not forced to believe and follow what I am saying. You are free to make your conclusions*!" said Master Nefertem. Master Nefertem demonstrated how Great Masters work by giving their students the freedom to draw and make their conclusions. Bob nodded meekly.

"I am not going to give these secrets away easily. What is given easily is not respected. I will give you clues and you will have to decipher them. Once you decipher them, I will explain their significance. Here is the clue to the first secret of success. Unscramble the alphabets you see on the wall," said Master Nefertem and flashed the words on the nearby wall.

Bob saw the words ‘ERPSPOU’ slowly appearing on the wall.

Master Nefertem said, You just have a minute to unscramble it.

Bob’s mind was racing. He started unscrambling the letters:

REPSPOU… SPOREOU… PERSPOU…

30 seconds more

PERSOPU… PERSOUP…PURSEOP

10 seconds more

PURPEOS… PURPSEO

2 seconds more

1 second more

"I got it! It is purpose! Yehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" Bob exclaimed.

In his quiet voice, looking at Bob, Master Nefertem said, Okay, okay, calm down. That was a close call and an easy clue. Listen carefully now to understand the importance of purpose in one’s success. If you get this, you are almost through. Master Nefertem had Bob’s attention.

He continued, "Your purpose is your divine duty."

Confused, Bob said, Divine duty? What do you mean by that, Master? It sounds very philosophical to me?

Master Nefertem replied, "Hmm… It works like this. Divine duty is what you were born to give to this world. Pay close attention to the word ‘give.’ "

Still grappling with his thoughts, Bob said, I, me, myself have been rejected by someone for not having enough. This being the case what do I have to give to the world?

Smiling serenely, Master Nefertem said, "Child, do not relate giving to ‘material’ or ‘monetary’ things.

Giving does not always mean in ‘material’ form. You can share and give of your strengths and talents to the world. The secret is that your purpose is always linked to your knowledge, skills, and talents. Are your talents and abilities material things like money?"

Thoughtfully Bob answered, Nope, they are not material. I understand what you are saying, Master. Giving can be of one’s knowledge, skill and talents. Like drawing, painting, writing, speaking, and all that.

"Yes. You have understood! But know that you cannot give what you don’t have! This is the reason that what you have to give and your purpose is always linked to your knowledge, skills and talents. Moreover, you’d love to give what you are good at!" said Master Nefertem and continued.

"Your ultimate purpose is to give and serve. You can give only what you have and what you are good at, and this is the first law of purpose," said Master Nefertem.

---

Law 1 of Purpose

Your ultimate purpose is to give and serve. You can give only what you have and what you are good at.

---

Bob listened closely and murmured, Interesting.

"Your strengths and abilities are your divine blueprint. This is what the universe wants to share and give the world through you. Normally people trade their knowledge, skills, and talents expecting something in return. That’s okay, but a purpose is defined

 When a portion or all of your time is used to give and share your Knowledge/Skills/talents (KST) to serve the world for free or

 The by-product of your knowledge/skills/talents namely – money and fame – are used in a bigger or smaller way for a cause beyond oneself without expecting anything in return or

 The knowledge/skills/talents and their by-products – Money and fame – are given in greater proportion than what you receive to serve the world for its betterment.

The above points on purpose apply not only to individuals but to organizations, too. This means create an organization driven by purpose, and not driven by money alone," said Master Nefertem.

Your Purpose

Ok, then the essence of purpose is giving and sharing our knowledge/skills/talents (KST), our money and use our fame not just for our self but beyond oneself to serve the world, repeated Bob to confirm his understanding.

You got it right Bob, said Master Nefertem.

Fine, Master! said Bob, but still confused with certain words used by Master Nefertem.

Bob asked, "Why should someone give and share in the first place? Why are you emphasizing the words ‘through you’ when you stated that ‘the universe wants to share and give the world through you?’ Why didn’t you say ‘This is what the universe wants you to share and give to the world’?"

Master Nefertem said, Very good question, Bob. You are listening! This makes you deserving of learning deeper secrets of purpose. Let me first answer your first question, namely, Why should someone give and share?"

"Bob, You have to give because you have taken from this world. Every aspect of your personality – your body, your knowledge, your skill, your talents, your beauty and all other such things have been shaped by the people you know and those you don’t know. All the good things you have in your life now are because of someone’s sacrifice. This happens because this world is an interdependent reality, and you don’t exist alone. Each of us influences the other by our actions. You may think you paid for many of the things you earned in life and wonder why you should give. That’s a misconception. The reality is that the money you paid is not the correct measure of what you received. You can pay for the product or service, but you can never pay for the sacrifices that went into creating them. So, it becomes your duty to give back to shape someone’s life like the way someone has contributed to your life and make this world a better place to live. If you keep taking and do not give, you are just adding to the sickness of the world. So, giving and serving becomes the divine duty."

I am impressed, Master !Please go ahead. I am eager to know more, said Bob.

"Sure, my son. Now let me answer your second question. The reason I used ‘through you’ is because you are always an instrument through which the universe is offering the world. The knowledge and the power, to give or not is not with you but reside with the supreme power that moves you. You call this supreme power - God, Mother Nature or Universe. It doesn’t matter what you call this power, because it all means the same to me."

Still unsure, Bob asked, Do you mean to say, that all scientists, CEOs and businessmen who come out with innovative ideas and creative products and services are just instruments of the universe?

With his ever calming smile, Master Nefertem nodded. "Yes. To give you some recent examples - Windows, iPhones, Google, Oracle and other breakthrough technologies that have changed the world in the last few decades are part of the divine purpose. These were brought about by a few individuals who were ready to manifest the divine purpose. Some realize and some don’t, but that is the fact. Steve Jobs seems to have realized it. He said in his famous Stanford University speech, "We are already naked. Why should we not follow our hearts? By, this he meant to say - we don’t own anything, and then why should we not do what we like to do, which is our purpose."

Lost in thought, Bob said, Oh, it makes me humble to know that we are just instruments. We don’t own any of these talents, skills, money, discoveries or innovations we make.

Master Nefertem nodded and continued, "Bob, You are learning fast. We will talk about humility later. The interesting thing is that everyone is born with a purpose to support the greater purpose of the universe. Each of us is just an instrument to manifest that greater purpose."

Master, I have a bigger question now. What is the purpose of the universe or the purpose of this creation? asked Bob

"This is the greatest mystery that no one can answer. Don’t worry about the purpose of the universe. Focus on your purpose i.e., what you have to offer to the world. Just understand that the universe works with a purpose. The universe has its purpose supported and fulfilled by working through you. This means that we cannot escape from working for our purpose as the universal law binds us. The universal law is that the universe has a purpose and being part of the universe we are given a purpose too, which we have to manifest sooner or later. This is the second law of purpose," Master Nefertem replied.

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Law 2 of Purpose

The Universe has a purpose and being part of the universe we are given a purpose too, which we have to manifest sooner or later.

---

Okay. We cannot escape then. That’s good, in a way. Now, assume that my strengths are in writing, and there are many authors in the world. Won’t there be a conflict of interest that will lead to unhealthy competition and ultimately affect the universal purpose?

"First understand that you are unique. People can be like you, but they cannot exactly be you. This universe needs many people like you - many authors to support a specific cause. It needs a team of people, and you will be one among the team, making a little or a big change to the greater cause of writing. As far as the universe is concerned, you are just one of the players in the team, whether you realize it or not. Sometimes people become big headed. They think that they have caused a greater change than the rest, just because many people are following them or using their products or services. They don’t realize that they are only part of a team and are just instruments. The key point is that our purposes are interlinked, and we work together uniquely to manifest one greater purpose. If you understand this, there is no conflict or competition there is only cohesiveness," explained Master Nefertem.

Still doubtful, Bob asked, It all sounds good, but, though I have some talents and skills they are too little to be of use to anyone.

Master Nefertem responded with serenity, Ah… Hah! The secret is that when you start sharing and giving the little that you have, the universe nourishes the little talent you have, and it increases a little every day, until one day, when it becomes so big that you become an irresistible power in the hands of the universe. What’s more is that when you start working on your purpose, you will be guided to the right people, who will develop your talent and abilities, and will make you better than before. The more you grow; you will meet people with greater capabilities and wisdom to guide you. This will happen only when you start working on your purpose by sharing whatever little you have.

Pausing a while, for what he had spoken to be absorbed, Master Nefertem continued, "That brings us to the third law of the purpose, serve the world with whatever little you have and gradually your knowledge,strengths, and talents will grow to incredible proportion."

---

Law 3 of Purpose

Serve the world with whatever little you have and gradually your knowledge,strengths, and talents will grow to incredible proportion.

---

Thinking about what he had heard, Bob asked, I have many talents and skills. I am a good writer, speaker, organizer, team builder, consultant, and influencer. I understand technology, I build processes, and I am creative and other similar things. How do I know which one to choose so as to serve the world better?

Master Nefertem simply said, "You are not alone, Bob. There are many like you with multiple talents, and they get stuck by focusing on all or most of them, at the same time. Choose one that you lose yourself in while giving."

Still confused, Bob asked, Master, what do you mean by ‘lose yourself in’? Sounds philosophical again!

Master Nefertem explained, "Losing yourself, means that you get lost in time and space. You are not aware of time ticking. You are not aware of what is happening around you and time and space lose their significance. When this happens, you are rising above time and space. You start working in a dimension where universal knowledge resides. You plug yourself into that infinite knowledge and power. When this connection happens ideas will come to mind that you never thought of, energies will surge which you otherwise do not experience, and you become irresistible at this moment. Now, tell me. Which one or two of your talents, makes you experience what I have just explained that, which I call Time-Space dissolution. Time-Space dissolution is almost like a meditative state - a meditation in motion. It is losing oneself completely while in the action of giving; a very sacred state."

Bob riffled through his memory to understand when he had experienced time-space dissolution, and it came to him. Yes. I have it. I find that whenever I teach or speak to inspire and whenever I write, I experience Time-Space dissolution.

Master Nefertem nods, Then this is your purpose in life – to teach and write. But, you did not say what you’d teach and write?

Oh, teach and write to help people become successful in their life, Bob concluded.

Master Nefertem goes on, "Bob, that is still not specific and clear, but you do have some clarity. Having clarity of purpose helps to manifest it faster. This is the fourth law of purpose. However, if you are not clear, just start with whatever knowledge, skills and talents you have. You will gain clarity on the way. This is the fifth law of purpose that purpose gains clarity while you work on it. As it gains clarity, it will manifest faster, which is our fourth law. So, just don’t wait for everything to be absolutely clear. Just start with whatever you have.

Coming back to having clarity about your purpose, know that when you say that you would like to teach and write, and you are good at that, doesn’t mean that you have to stop doing the other things that you are good at like creating, organizing, and team building and so on. Think about starting a training company where you could teach as well as write books on success. You need other skills such as organizing, team building, establishing processes and the like, to build your organization. If you do not have these skills, hire people who are good at these. By hiring people who are good at what you are not good at, you are creating an opportunity for someone to work on their purpose. Do you see the teamwork here that I mentioned earlier?"

---

Law 4 and 5 of Purpose

Having clarity of purpose helps to manifest it faster. However, if you are not sure, start with whatever you have, your purpose will gain clarity while working on it.

---

Taking a deep breath, Bob agreed. Yes, it’s becoming clearer, now, and I do see the team work. It is also leading me to ask more questions. I hope you won’t mind!

With a look of approval Master Nefertem said, As longs as you are polite, while asking your questions, I am more than happy to answer them.

"Master, there should be a trigger for Time-Space Dissolution (TSD). I guess that TSD doesn’t happen on its own. Is there any trigger for TSD to occur," asked Bob.

"Interesting question, Bob! Yes, there is a trigger. The trigger is love. Where there is love, there is Time-Space Dissolution. This is the sixth law of purpose. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to do what you love. Your purpose lies in what you love to do. You are experiencing TSD when you teach and write because you love doing that. Isn’t it?" asked Master Nefertem.

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Law 6 of Purpose

Where there is love, there is Time-Space Dissolution.

---

Yes, Master. You are right. I cannot lose myself in activities that I hate. So, one needs to know what they love to do. That seems to be the key, said Bob.

"You are right, that is what the 4th law says – Have clarity!" said Master Nefertem.

Yes, Master, agreed on Bob.

"Bob, The reason love becomes the prime mover of purpose is that doing what you also love makes you happy. You will be happy when you are working on your purpose. This is the seventh law of purpose. Love leads to this happiness. There is no happiness when there is no love. This is the fundamental truth of life. One cannot say that they do not love what they are doing, but they are happy. One cannot say they are happy but are not in love with what they do. Those will be ridiculous statements. Hence, your purpose lies in doing what you love," said Master Nefertem adding more wisdom to purpose.

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Law 7 of Purpose

You will be happy when you are working on your purpose. Love leads to this happiness. There is no happiness when there is no love. This is the fundamental truth of life.

---

That’s incredible to see how love and happiness are related, said Bob.

"This is not over, Bob. Your happiness will lead to fulfillment as happiness is only medium through which one can experience fulfillment. Only, when you experience that fulfillment, you can be very sure that you are on your purpose. Hence, purpose leads to fulfillment through happiness which will be the eighth law of purpose," said Master Nefertem.

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Law 8 of Purpose

Purpose leads to fulfillment. Only, when you experience that fulfillment, you can be very sure that you are on your purpose.

---

What is this fulfillment you are referring master. I have heard fulfillment but have never experienced fulfillment, asked Bob.

"Bob, fulfillment is a glorious state where one feels complete with themselves and the world they live in. There is no more emptiness or longing in life. It is a state where one feels they have lived life to the fullest because they had given 100% to their chosen cause and had made an impact on the lives of people by being a servant to them. Here, I would like to quote the words of Lee Kuan Yew, the former prime minister and the founding father of Singapore,

What do you see from those words of Lee Kuan Yew, Bob?" asked Master Nefertem.

He has given 100% to build Singapore which is his chosen cause, and there are no regrets. His words express a complete life lived to the fullest in serving his country. I could feel how he could have felt when he said that. Very touching indeed Master, shared Bob his understanding of the words of Lee Kuan Yew. Those words of Lee Kuan Yew touched his being. At this moment, he made a decision to give his life to a worthy cause – To live his purpose."

"Master, I need clarity on these lines of your definition of fulfillment; have made an impact on the lives of people by being a servant to them. What did you mean by ‘being a servant to them’?" asked Bob.

I thought the answer was obvious, Bob, said Master Nefertem with a smile.

Bob thought for a while. Yes, it became obvious to Bob now. "Master, there are a few reasons why we need to be a servant to the people whose live we want to change,

1. When I give and share, only an attitude of service will bring happiness and fulfillment. Otherwise, it will lead to arrogance and negative pride. People receive ‘service’ at its best only when done with an attitude of service. Arrogance takes away the nobility that lies in giving.

2. As you said earlier, we are just instruments in the hands of the universe and we are not the actual doer. It means we are just servants of the universe.

3. In a way, it is stealing, when the act of giving is not done with the attitude of service. When done with the attitude of service, our actions become prayer – sacred and noble," said Bob.

Marvelous! I appreciate your deep thoughts, appreciated Master Nefertem. His face beamed like a morning sun. He was truly inspired by the understanding of his student.

"Know that you are serving your purpose 100%,

1. When one has something like knowledge/skills/talents/money to give and share in full or in part, for a cause beyond oneself without expecting anything in return.

2. When one loves what they do when using their knowledge/skills/talents.

3. When one experiences Time-Space Dissolution while in action.

4. When done with an attitude of service.

5. When one is happy while doing that service.

6. When one experiences fulfillment in that happiness.

If anyone of the above is not happening, you are not aligned with your purpose," summarized Master Nefertem.

Thanks for the checklist Master, to know if one is really on one’s purpose. That is truly mind-blowing, said Bob. He took the time to digest what Master Nefertem taught him.

Purpose manifestation Circles

So giving your skills and talents is the starting point of your purpose. It is fundamental to human nature to feel love when you share what you have and what you are good at. When you experience love, you experience happiness. When you are happy, you experience fulfillment. This is how purpose manifests in one’s life, said Master Nefertem.

Is it possible Master that one is happy but not fulfilled, probed Bob.

"Yes, Bob. It is possible because happiness has different levels. The first level of happiness comes when you are enjoying time with your friends or family, when you are eating good food, when you buy a house or a car, when you watch a good movie, when you read a good book, and especially when all of your basic needs are met like, when you are enjoying good health, when there is adequate flow of money in your life, and when you feel secure.

The second level of happiness comes when you are loved, respected and recognized, and when you have accomplished something.

The third level of happiness comes when you feel you are growing as an Individual, and when you have achieved a certain level of mastery at what you do.

The fourth level of happiness comes when you have made a difference to someone’s life by giving and sharing. The first and second level of happiness do not last long. For example, when things go wrong in your life, even if you have won Olympic Gold, even if you are driving a Maybach Exelero** and even if you are wearing a Rolex, you will still feel lousy inside. Anything material in nature cannot give you a permanent happiness. Fulfillment comes only when your happiness is because of 4th level activities," said Master Nefertem.

Why is that so Master that fulfillment comes only at the fourth level activities of giving and sharing to serve the world? asked Bob.

You tell me, Bob. Don’t expect easy answers, retorted Master Nefertem but