Purpose of Life

"I came that they might have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) The Christian purpose is to glorify God and enjoy him forever (Westminster Catechism). This manifests itself in loving God and neighbor, fulfilling one's personal vocation, and participating in the mission of Christ. Each person has unique gifts to contribute to the body of Christ. Source ✤

"I did not create jinns and humans except for them to worship Me." (Quran 51:56) The purpose in Islam is ibadah—worship of Allah. But ibadah is not just ritual; includes every action done with right intention (niyyah). The Muslim is Allah's khalifah (representative) on earth, with responsibility for taking care of creation. Life is a test that determines eternal destiny. Source ✤

"Life has no preset purpose—we create our own meaning." (Existentialist View) Atheism often embraces existentialism: the universe has no inherent meaning, but humans can create meaning. This is freedom, not nihilism—we are the authors of our own lives. Meaning can be found in relationships, creation, contribution, and experience. Source ✤

"Four are the legitimate goals of life: dharma, artha, kama and moksha." (Hindu tradition) Hinduism recognizes multiple interconnected purposes: dharma (duty/virtue), artha (prosperity), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation). Svadharma (personal duty) varies according to caste, stage of life and temperament. The ultimate purpose is to realize the true nature (Atman) and merge with Brahman. Source ✤

"Whether or not there's a divine purpose, we can still live meaningfully." (Agnostic View) Agnostics don't need to answer the universe's purpose to find meaning in personal life. Perhaps there's a greater purpose, perhaps not—either way, living well is worthwhile. Seek wisdom about finding purpose from multiple traditions. Source ✤

"The purpose of life is to end suffering—for self and all beings." (Buddhist tradition) Buddhism does not propose a purpose given by a creator, but discovered in practice. Ending dukkha (suffering) through the Noble Eightfold Path is the immediate goal. In Mahayana, the purpose expands: to become a bodhisattva to liberate all beings. Awakening (bodhi) reveals a meaning that transcends explanation. Source ✤

"To follow the Tao is to follow the natural path—there is no purpose other than to flow." (Taoist tradition) Taoism does not impose purpose—purpose comes naturally when we live in harmony with the Tao. "The Tao that can be said is not the eternal Tao." Confucianism sees purpose in relationships: being a good father, son, ruler, subject. Cultivating virtue (de) and contributing to harmony (he) are central. Source ✤

"Each person has an Orixá head and an odú (destiny)." (Candomblé Tradition) In Candomblé, individual purpose is discovered through consultation with Ifá/Búzios. Each person has a ruling Orixá and an odú (destiny/path). Fulfilling this destiny brings fulfillment; ignoring it brings suffering. At Umbanda, the purpose includes evolving spiritually and helping others. Spiritual guides teach the way. Ubuntu: individual purpose serves the community; alone, it loses meaning. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, guidance on purpose focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤

"Our purpose is the soul's evolution—through experience, service, and learning." (Spiritism) Spiritism explicitly teaches that life has purpose: the soul's evolution. Each incarnation has lessons to learn, tests to face, service to provide. Discovering your specific mission may require reflection, prayer, and spiritual guidance. Source ✤

"The purpose of human life is to merge back into the God from which we came." (Guru Granth Sahib) Human life is rare and precious—the chance to attain mukti (liberation). The three pillars—Naam Japna, Kirat Karni, Vand Chakko—guide towards this purpose. The Sikh lives in the world but is not of the world. Service (seva) is a means of transcending the ego and getting closer to Waheguru. Source ✤

"What does the Lord require of you? That you do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) Jewish purpose includes fulfilling the commandments (mitzvot), contributing to tikkun olam (repairing the world), and being a light to the nations. The Torah is the guide. Life has intrinsic value given by God. Each person has a unique task in the divine plan. Source ✤

"God's purpose in creating man was for him to know and worship Him." (Bahaullah) Similar to Islam, but with additional emphasis: to know God is to recognize His Manifestations (Prophets). The collective purpose is the unification of humanity. Each person must contribute to this greater unity. Work in a spirit of service is worship. Source ✤

"A Mason's purpose is moral perfecting and benefiting humanity." (Masonic Ideal) Freemasonry provides a framework for self-improvement in service of the greater good. Every Mason is 'building'—their own character and a better world. Progressing through degrees gives a sense of advancement and purpose. Source ✤

"We were created to choose the good and thus strengthen Ahura Mazda in the cosmic battle." (Zoroastrian tradition) The Zoroastrian purpose is clear: to choose Asha (truth/good) over Druj (false/evil). Every good deed strengthens Ahura Mazda; every bad deed strengthens Angra Mainyu. Life has cosmic meaning. In Frashokereti (final renewal), good will win with human participation. Source ✤

"Humans were created to serve the gods and work the land." (Sumerian myth) The Sumerian creation myth states that humans were made from clay to relieve the gods of work. The purpose was to serve—the gods, the king, the community. Life was short; immortality belonged only to the gods. Gilgamesh learned to accept mortality and live well. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, guidance on purpose focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤

"To live in Maat is to fulfill the divine purpose." (Egyptian tradition) The purpose in Ancient Egypt was to live in Maat—truth, justice, cosmic order. Fulfilling his social role (pharaoh, priest, artisan, peasant) with excellence served Maat. Earthly life prepared for the eternal journey. The light heart of those who lived in Maat passed the trial. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, guidance on purpose focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤