In my new book, Think Like a Monk, I remind you of a text in the Manusmriti (8:15), an ancient Hindu legal script, “When you protect your dharma, your dharma protects you.”

The dharma is our natural affinities, strengths, and weaknesses that we would be strongly drawn to in a self-contained universe like an ashram, or spiritual hermitage. Only when your natural skills and passions serve the world’s needs and you live this purpose, you live in harmony with your dharma, which is the only route to fulfilment. 

So, following your dharma means to align, develop, and pursue your passion, expertise, and usefulness for the greater good. Revealing our dharma is the starting point to learning to live our purpose with success and enjoyment.

When you have discovered your natural dominant role, or varna, you become better able to live and fulfill your dharma.

The four varnas each have three modes – Ignorance, Impulse, and Goodness. To utilize your dharma in the best way possible, you must always strive to function in the Goodness, or sattva mode.

After completing my dharma type questionnaire, turn to the decision tree diagram below and consider the three modes associated with your dominant mode(s) with careful thought. Be as honest as you can as this is the only way to aspire to develop your dharma.

You should always aim to develop from the modes of ignorance (tama) and impulsivity (raja) to goodness, or sattva. Awareness of your varna gives you more focus on your natural strengths to develop the knowledge, values, selflessness, and passion to become your dharma and embrace your purpose.

Always remember, your dharma is your responsibility!