What is your Dharma, Julian?, I asked casually, attempting to mask my burning curiosity.
"Mine is simple: to selflessly serve others. Remember, you will not find true joy in sleeping, in relaxing or in spending your time like an idler. As Benjamin Disraeli said: 'The secret of success is constancy of purpose.' The happiness you are searching for comes through reflecting on the worthy aims you are dedicated to achieving and then taking action daily to advance them. This is a direct application of the timeless philosophy which prescribes that those things which are most important should never be sacrificed to those things which are the least important. The lighthouse in Yogi Raman's fable will always remind you of the power of setting clearly defined, purposeful goals and, most importantly, of having the character power to act on them."
Over the course of the next few hours, I learned from Julian that all highly developed, fully actualised people understand the importance of exploring their talents, uncovering their personal purpose and then applying their human gifts in the direction of this calling.
Some people selflessly serve humanity as physicians, others as artists. Some people discover that they are powerful communicators and become wonderful teachers, whilst others come to realise that their legacy will be in the form of innovations in the field of business or science.
The key is to have the discipline and vision to see your heroic mission and to ensure that it serves other people while you realise it."Is this a form of goal-setting?"
"Goal-setting is the starting point. Mapping out your objectives and your goals releases the creative juices which get you on to the path of your purpose. Believe it or not, Yogi Raman and the other sages were very hot on goals."
"You're kidding. Highly effective monks living deep in the Himalayan mountains who meditate all night and set goals all day. I love it!" "John, always judge by results. Look at me. Sometimes I don't even recognise myself when I look in the mirror. My once unfulfilling existence has been replaced by one rich with adventure, mystery and excitement. I am young again and enjoy vibrant health. I am truly happy. The wisdom I am sharing with you is so potent and so important and so life-giving that you simply must stay open to it."
"I am Julian, I really am. Everything you have said makes perfect sense, although some of the techniques do sound a little odd. But I have promised to try them and I will. I agree that this information is powerful."
"If I have seen farther than others, it is simply because I have stood on the shoulders of great teachers," replied Julian with humility.