I feel so distracted in my goals and cannot fix on what needs to be done. How can I become clearer about my ultimate goal?

Ans : The path that leads to the realisation of this highest Reality is the path that gives certainty to life, significance and meaning to existence; it endows one with strength, and then ultimately becomes the liberator from all error. It provides a purpose for the human individual soul, and purposefulness is the secret of strength. Certainty is strength. Uncertainty is weakness that lays one open to all the contrary pulls and pushes that are everywhere in life. When the goal is clear and visible and known, and the direction is definite, then life becomes a powerful movement forward towards the goal. It is necessary to know what we are striving for, and that we have a definite plan and purpose.

There should be no delusion or confusion; there should be clarity of thought. In the Upanishads the quote comes, "Om is the bow. The individual self is the arrow. Brahman is the target. The target is to be hit by great vigilance. Then alone shall one merge into Brahman, even as an arrow enters into a target." The key word here is "vigilant." A person who has no delusions has no lack of clarity; there is not the least doubt in his mind. Every aspirant has to vigilant. He has to attain that state where there is no doubt left. The verse says that you yourself are the arrow. You have to speed straight towards the target that you have set for yourself, moving in the single direction towards the Goal Supreme. What is it that impels the arrow forward? It is the bow, represented by the mystical symbol "Om." This signifies an alert state of inner spiritual wakefulness. Whether the body is in its deep sleep, dream, or waking state, you are ever awake spiritually. It is this ever-awake condition of spiritual awareness that will guarantee the straight, onward flight of the arrow, which moves towards your target, which is Self-realisation.

This is possible only if there is no uncertainty, no hesitation. "I have known what it is that I aspire after and long for. Having known the hollowness of the world, I have turned away; I have now known what there is to be attained. I gather together all my energies, all my potential with great enthusiasm, and with zest and zeal I dedicate myself to this great attainment." Thus, clearly knowing oneself and knowing what one's life is, one should speed on towards that great Goal. This is the triumphant life; this is the effective life; this is a life where purposefulness is at its greatest. Such a life alone is a life that makes one thrive and gives joy, satisfaction and great inspiration!