Finding Your Spiritual Mission: The Path to True Happiness

The quest for happiness is a fundamental human pursuit. Yet, the path to true and lasting happiness often eludes us. In the midst of a world that frequently prioritizes external achievements, material wealth, and fleeting pleasures, Master Ketut Arsana's teachings, in his Kundalini Tantra Yoga Teacher Training, offer a profound alternative: the path of discovering and fulfilling one's spiritual mission.

The Initial Struggle in Finding Happiness: Feeling Lost and Seeking Direction

Master Ketut Arsana openly shares his own journey of feeling lost and disconnected. He recounts a period of intense searching, expressing, "For a long time, I struggled to find my path. I didn't know where to begin, where to find teachers or gurus. I felt lost and cried often." This vulnerability is relatable to many who embark on a spiritual quest, grappling with uncertainty and a longing for purpose.

His words acknowledge the common experience of feeling adrift, unsure of one's calling or direction in life. This initial phase of seeking is often characterized by a sense of unease, a feeling that something is missing despite external successes. Master Ketut Arsana's honesty in sharing his own struggles provides solace and validation to those on a similar journey.

A significant turning point in Master Ketut's path came with a dedication to service. He states, "A year ago, I dedicated my life to service." This highlights a core principle in his teachings: the shift from self-centeredness to other-centeredness as a catalyst for finding meaning.

This aligns with the concept of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action, which emphasizes that true fulfillment arises from contributing to the well-being of others. By focusing on serving, we transcend our egoic preoccupations and connect with a deeper sense of purpose.

However, Master Ketut's journey also reveals that even the dedication to service may not immediately resolve the inner quest. He continues, "But I still questioned my purpose. This journey has been a long process, taking up almost half my life." This underscores the ongoing nature of the search for one's spiritual mission. It's not a destination but a continuous unfolding.

Life Itself as Yoga: Action with Non-Attachment

Master Ketut Arsana's interpretation of yoga plays a crucial role in understanding how to find one's spiritual mission. He redefines yoga beyond physical postures, stating, "Before I reached this point, I realized that life itself is yoga. This means constant movement, creation, and action, without attachment to the outcomes. You receive what you put in. It's about non-attachment, continuous creation, and acting from the heart."

This perspective is essential because it reframes the search for purpose within the context of everyday living. It's not about escaping the world but about engaging with it consciously and wholeheartedly.

• Constant Movement, Creation, and Action: This emphasizes the dynamic nature of life and the importance of active participation. Finding one's mission is not a passive endeavor; it requires active exploration and engagement with the world.

• Without Attachment to the Outcomes: This is a crucial yogic principle. It liberates us from the fear of failure or the need for external validation. The focus shifts to the intrinsic value of the action itself, rather than the results.

• You Receive What You Put In: This highlights the law of cause and effect (Karma). Our efforts and intentions shape our experiences. When we act with sincerity and dedication, we create positive outcomes, even if they are not always what we expect.

• Acting from the Heart: This emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with our authentic selves, our values, and our deepest desires. When we act from the heart, we infuse our actions with passion and purpose.

The Pitfalls of External Achievements

Master Ketut Arsana cautions against the pursuit of external achievements as the primary source of happiness. He observes, "Currently, many people focus on external achievements, leading to suffering." This resonates with the yogic understanding of Maya (illusion), which suggests that the material world can distract us from our true nature and purpose.

The pursuit of wealth, status, or power can create a cycle of craving and dissatisfaction. Even when we attain these external goals, the happiness they provide is often fleeting, and we find ourselves seeking more.

In contrast, finding one's spiritual mission leads to a more enduring sense of fulfillment. It aligns us with our inner values and connects us to something larger than ourselves.

The Role of Self-Inquiry and Inner Guidance

While Master Ketut Arsana acknowledges the role of teachers and gurus, he also emphasizes the importance of inner guidance. His own journey of seeking "teachers, healers, and knowledge" highlights the value of learning from others. However, the ultimate answers lie within.

Yoga practices, such as meditation and self-reflection, facilitate this inner exploration. They help us quiet the mental chatter, connect with our intuition, and discern our true calling.

Master Ketut Arsana also alludes to the possibility of divine guidance in the process of finding one's spiritual mission. In his experiences, though not detailed, suggest a belief in a higher power or a divine plan that can guide us on our path.

This aligns with the yogic concept of Ishvara Pranidhana, surrender to the divine, which encourages us to trust in a greater wisdom and to release our need to control every aspect of our lives.

Serving Others as the Ultimate Purpose

A recurring theme in Master Ketut Arsana's teachings is the emphasis on serving others. He suggests that true happiness and purpose are found in contributing to the well-being of the community and the world.

This concept is central to Karma Yoga, which teaches that selfless action is the highest form of yoga. When we dedicate our lives to service, we transcend our ego and connect with a deeper sense of unity with all beings.

Master Ketut Arsana's journey reminds us that finding one's spiritual mission is often a long and winding road. He expresses, "This journey has been a long process, taking up almost half my life. Now, at over 60, I wonder how much longer I must wait for everything to align."

This underscores the importance of patience, perseverance, and faith in the process. It's a reminder that the spiritual path is not a race, and there is no fixed timeline for discovering our purpose.

Master Ketut Arsana's perspective on finding one's spiritual mission offers a valuable guide for those seeking true happiness and purpose. By emphasizing the importance of dedicated service, aligning with life's flow, and looking beyond external achievements, he provides a framework for a meaningful and fulfilling life. His own journey, marked by perseverance and self-inquiry, serves as an inspiration for all who embark on this profound quest.