Ikigai and the Bhagavad Gita

The Japanese idea of Ikigai, one’s “reason for being“ encourages people to find joy and purpose where passion, skill, and service to the world intersect. A similar philosophy appears in the Bhagavad Gita, where life’s meaning lies in discovering and living one’s dharma (inherent duty). In the Gita, Krishna guides Arjuna to act according to his purpose with dedication, without attachment to outcomes.

Together, Ikigai and the Bhagavad Gita remind us that fulfillment is not found in chasing success, but in living authentically and embracing the purpose that gives our lives meaning.

Devahuti Shaw (IN) is an attorney and has currently transitioned careers to pursue inter-disciplinary studies. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Legal Anthropology at Universität Bern after having completed her M.A. in South Asian Studies at Universität Heidelberg, Germany; encompassing Vaishnavism, personhood, anthropology, transculturality, history and law.

Please note that this semester we will have our weekly meetings…