Real Purpose...

He who with sincerity seeks his real purpose in life is himself sought by that
purpose.

Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan

Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:

One may ask, 'What is the best way for a person to understand his life's
purpose?' If one follows the bent of one's own mind, if one follows the track to
which one is attracted, if one follows one's own inclination, which is not
satisfied with anything else, one feels, 'There is something waiting for me
(which one does not know at the time), which will bring me satisfaction.'
Besides, if one is intuitive and mystical, it is easier still, because then one
is continually told what is the purpose of one's life. For nature has such a
perfection of wisdom. One sees that the insects are given the sense to make
their little houses and to protect themselves and make a store of their food.
The bees, who have the gift of making honey, are taught how to make honey. So
nature has taught every soul to seek its purpose. It has made every soul for
that purpose, and it is continually calling that soul to see that purpose. If
the soul does not hear the call and sleeps, it is not the fault of nature, which
is continually calling. Therefore, if I were to say in a few words, how to find
one's purpose, I would say: by waking from sleep.

Every being has a definite vocation, and his vocation is the light which
illuminates his life. The man who disregards his vocation is a lamp unlit. He
who sincerely seeks his real purpose in life is himself sought by that purpose.
As he concentrates on that search a light begins to clear his confusion, call it
revelation, call it inspiration, call it what you will. It is mistrust that
misleads. Sincerity leads straight to the goal.

That way is best which suits you best. The way of one person is not for another
person, although man is always inclined to accuse another person of doing wrong,
believing that he himself is doing right. ... That purpose is accomplished when
a person has risen above all these things. It is that person then, who will
tolerate all, who will understand all, who will assimilate all things, who will
not feel disturbed by things which are not in accordance with his own nature or
the way which is not his way. He will not look at them with contempt, but he
will see that in the depth of every being there is a divine spark which is
trying to raise its flame toward the purpose.

When a person has arrived at this stage, he has risen above the limitations of
the world. Then he has become entitled to experience the joy of coming near to
the real purpose of life. It is then that in everything that he says or does, he
will be accomplishing that purpose. ... We come to understand by this that the
further we go the more tolerant we become. Outward things matter little. It is
the inward realization which counts. However sacred duty may be, however high
may be the hope of paradise, however great the happiness one may experience in
the pleasures of the earth, however much satisfaction one may find in earthly
treasures, the purpose of life is in rising above all these things. It is then
that the soul will have no discord, no disagreement with others. It is then that
the natural attitude of the soul will become tolerant and forgiving. The purpose
of life is fulfilled in rising to the greatest heights and in diving to the
deepest depths of life: in widening one's horizon, in penetrating life in all
its spheres, in losing oneself, and in finding oneself in the end. In the
accomplishment of the purpose of life the purpose of creation is fulfilled.
Therefore, in this fulfillment it is not that man attained, but that God Himself
has fulfilled His purpose.