Ikigai - Purpose of Life

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Ikigai is a Japanese concept that roughly means “Our purpose in life”, linked to a larger Chinese concept Wuxing (五行).  I do not know enough to be able to fully explain the concepts here.  So it's just the basics. 

It is said that we would have reached the state of Ikigai if we are :

  • doing what we are good at;

  • doing what we love to do, and;

  • being rewarded appropriately for the good work that we do, and this work is what the world needs. 

I believe that, if everyone does his job to the best of his ability, and stop making noise on how others are doing theirs, the world will be a very good place to live in.  The sad truth is, there are many who are not giving their best at work, and yet complain about how others are not doing a good job.  

Do we love what we are doing?  If not, why are we still in it?  Many would  say :"no choice".  Well, is that so?  In the first place, do we know what we love to do?

I would encourage everyone to do good and meaningful things in their life.  This would be a good dose of vitamin to our soul.  We may live happier.  A simple genuine (it is not the amount, it is what makes us happy) donation (of any kind) to a local welfare organisation, assisting an elderly cross the road, contributing to saving the earth, smile, etc.  Be meaningfully useful.



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