There is an Arjun in every one of us — a person bound by self-imposed barriers. In our daily lives, we feel like soldiers trying to survive a battle. So, we often adopt rules to guide and discipline us. By doing so, however, we straitjacket ourselves with restrictions that prevent us from connecting our consciousness to the Universe. Like Arjun, an awakened person can connect with the Universe by sensing the right thing to do. They can then perform their duty with aplomb without getting attached to its outcome.

You, too, can get awakened by being in the moment with Nature. This will help you to hone and refine your consciousness, and experience attachment with detachment. Like me, you will witness the magic of the Universe unfolding around you.”

The Purpose of Life: Find Your Path to Oneness by Harit Ratna is an exploration of the spiritual journey humans ought to take to achieve self-discovery and inner peace. The book delves into the essence of human existence and provides practical guidance for readers seeking their true purpose. Ratna offers a spiritual compass for those wanting to align with their higher selves — innately ‘One’ with the universe — and therefore achieve a state of what he calls Oneness. Through this process, he says, one can “advocate for a harmonious existence free from the burden of outcomes, explore the mysteries of consciousness and evolve [one’s] mind, body, and soul.”

In today’s world, especially, there seems to be an increasing demand for activities like mindfulness and meditation that help people reconnect with their authentic selves. Ratna’s book, one of many others in the genre, essentially defines the journey of the eternal soul from unbalanced existence to consciousness. By blending Eastern spirituality including anecdotes from the epics and Puranas and Western philosophy with references to pop culture like Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar and contemporary findings in human psychology, Ratna ponders over and tries to come up with answers to the deeper questions of life, while also addressing them in ways that lead to self-actualisation. He assures us that the notion of Oneness that he encourages readers to inculcate is the philosophy that will “transform your life”, equating them with unconditional love and boundless energy towards the universe.

The book is neatly divided into short chapters that deal with a question each. The author asks the question, gives us an answer, pinpoints examples from mythology or history and then assures readers that aping that example is one of the many ways one can be fulfilled and at One with the world around them. The concept of Oneness itself explores the idea that all beings are interconnected and part of a larger universal consciousness. By understanding and experiencing this interconnectedness, individuals can transcend their materialistic desires and align themselves with a higher state of being. The book emphasises that recognising this Oneness can lead to a more harmonious and peaceful existence.

As the title suggests, one of the central themes of the book is the search for meaning and purpose in life. Ratna argues that every individual has a unique path to follow, which is intrinsic to their being. The book encourages readers to introspect and identify their own unique purpose, a deeply personal journey that requires self-reflection and honesty. Ratna emphasises the importance of daily spiritual practices, such as living in the moment, being self-aware and detaching from materialism and ego as tools to cultivate awareness and deepen one’s spiritual journey. These practices are presented as stepping stones toward achieving Oneness and realising one’s purpose. Ratna believes that by incorporating these practices into daily life, individuals can foster a deeper connection with their inner selves and the universe.

The book may be just the pick-me-up you’re looking for if you’re facing a tough spot in your life or are already on a spiritual journey seeking deeper meaning. Through his exploration of purpose, Oneness, the human condition and the nature of existence, Ratna provides readers with a roadmap to living a more meaningful and fulfilled life. For anyone seeking to understand their place in the universe and connect with a higher state of being, this book is sure to serve as a rock-solid resource. As Ratna says, “Be in the moment and feel the vibrations of the Universe. You will feel as though you are in the midst of an eternal embrace.”