WhatWhat is the purpose of life?

This timeless question often resists a single, universal answer. Perhaps that’s because life itself is not a fixed destination, but an evolving journey—shaped by the inner growth of each individual.

This piece invites you to look at life not as a straight path, but as a cloop—a return to origin—symbolized beautifully by the shape of Shunya (०), the number zero.

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The Journey Begins: Outward Expansion

Imagine life as the act of drawing the number zero. It begins from a single point and moves outward, just as our minds start by reaching away from their centre—eager to explore, possess and consume.

This first phase of the journey is about experience. The mind is extroverted, driven by material goals and desires. It often takes on qualities like ambition, greed and self-centeredness. This is the stage called “जिंदगी को भोगना”, where one lives to indulge in life’s experiences

In this phase of life, we are maximalists—accumulating experiences, wealth, identity and validation. But this expansion, while necessary, takes us farther from our source.

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The Turning Point: Inward Return

Eventually, the loop begins to curve inward. Life slows —not in pace, but in meaning. A subtle shift occurs: the urge to possess is gradually replaced by the desire to sustain. Compassion emerges where once there was ruthlessness and competition. Simplicity begins to feel richer than excess. Inner discipline takes the place of outer conquest.

The mind begins to turn inward. This is the stage “जिंदगी को जीना”, of living with awareness.  We begin to let go of what no longer serves us. We start to value silence, kindness and truth. The outer world doesn’t disappear—it just becomes less important than the inner one. Hypocrisy fades and with each quiet step, we move closer to the centre we once departed.

In this phase of life, we are the minimalist—one who lives with less, but with more clarity. This journey doesn’t mean detachment— it’s knowing what to keep close and what to release.

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The Purpose Is Where You Are

So, what is the purpose of life? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s a reflection of where you are on this winding, outward-and-inward- loop of Shunya.

For some, the purpose may still lie in tasting life fully. For others, it may be about simplifying, surrendering and returning to inner stillness. Both are meaningful. What matters is not rushing to the end, but walking consciously through the curve.

In the end, the loop completes. We return to the point we began—transformed, expanded and finally, emptied into Shunya—a space that holds everything by holding nothing.

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Conclusion: Life is a loop, Not a Straight Line

Life isn’t a ladder we climb upward, step by step. It’s a loop—unpredictable, uneven profound. It has its highs and lows, its bends and flats. To walk this loop mindfully—from indulgence to insight—is perhaps the deepest purpose life

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