4 Questions Hinduism Wants You to Ask Yourself
- myNachiketa
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Who am I?” or “What is my purpose in life?” These questions are fundamental and can help us to understand ourselves better! Hinduism is not just about stories of gods and goddesses; it is also about asking big questions and seeking meaning in life. Our rishis and scriptures like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita encourage us to pause, think, and ask questions. In Hinduism, four special questions guide us on this journey of self-discovery. Let’s begin this adventure together!
myNachiketa presents 4 Questions Hinduism Wants You to Ask Yourself.
1. Who Am I?
You may say, “I am Riya,” or “I am Aarav.” But are you only your name? What about your body, does that alone make you you? Or are you your clothes, toys, or school bag?
This question invites us to think about our true self, or as the Upanishads describe it, the Atman. It’s the part of us that is deep inside our hearts, what we might call consciousness. Just like we are a body made of skin, bones, and organs, our true essence is our Atman, which is pure and eternal. Our body may change as we grow, but our soul is eternal. That’s what makes each of us unique and precious.
Shloka from Aitareya Upanishad
प्रज्ञानम् ब्रह्म
Prajnanam Brahma
Meaning: Consciousness is Brahman
This means that our true self is united with the universe. Just as a drop of water is part of the vast ocean, we are all part of something greater. Whenever you help others or do something kind, you're showing your true self!
2. What Is My Duty (Dharma)?
Every one of us has a responsibility in the world. This is known as our Dharma. Just like how a bird has the duty to fly, and a gardener has the duty to nurture plants, we all have responsibilities depending on our age, family, and place in life. As a student, your duty is to learn with honesty. As a friend, it is to share and be kind. At home, it is to listen to parents and help whenever you can.
Doing your dharma doesn’t mean doing big, difficult things. It means doing the right thing in small, everyday moments, but with love and care.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna says:
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karmaphalaheturbhurma te sango astvakarmani
Meaning: You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.
This reminds us to do our best without worrying too much about the results. When you help your parents at home or do your homework, you’re fulfilling your Dharma!
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3. What Makes Me Truly Happy?
Sometimes, we look for happiness in toys, sweets, or even games. But true happiness comes from within! It’s about being connected with our true selves and sharing love with others. Have you noticed how a simple smile or a good deed brings joy? We all love sweets and yummy food. But after some time, when the food is over, the excitement fades away, right? Then we want something new again.
The Bhagavad Gita Shloka
सुखमात्यन्तिकं यत्तद्बुद्धिग्राह्यमतीन्द्रियम् ।
वेत्ति यत्र न चैवायं स्थितश्चलति तत्त्वतः ॥
Sukham atyantikam yat tad buddhigrahyam atindriyam
Vetti yatra na cha evayam sthita shchalati tattvatah
Meaning: The happiness that is beyond the senses is to be experienced through wisdom and beyond the senses. One who knows this supreme happiness remains steady and unshaken in truth.
This tells us that the happiest moments are those when we are loving and kind to a friend or someone in need. So, go ahead, spread smiles and do good deeds!
4. Where Is God? Where Can I Find Him?
Some people look for God in temples, some in the sky, and some in pictures. Hinduism teaches us that God is everywhere! You can find God in nature, in the trees, the rivers, and in the warmth of the sun. God is not only outside; He lives in each of us, guiding us and helping us to be the best we can be.
Bhagavad Gita Shloka
ईश्वरः सर्वभूतानाम् हृद्देशे अर्जुन तिष्ठति।
भ्रामयन् सर्वभूतानि यन्त्रारूढानि मायया।
Ishvarah sarva-bhutanam, Hriddeshe Arjuna tishthati;
Bhramayan sarva-bhutani, Yantrarudhani mayaya.
God (Ishvara) lives in the heart of every being. He gently guides all living things as if controlling them with a magical instrument. Even though we cannot see Him, He is always there, helping and guiding us.
Conclusion
So, dear children, these four questions are like a treasure map leading us to understand ourselves and our existence! By asking "Who am I?", "What is my duty?", "What makes me truly happy?" and "Where is God?", we can find joy, purpose, and connection in our lives. By asking these questions, you start a journey inside yourself. Hindu philosophy shows us that life is not just about living, but about living with meaning, kindness, and joy.
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