Shivpreet Singh
Shivpreet Singh
  • Home
  • Music
    • Spotify
    • Apple Music
    • Amazon
    • Pandora
    • SoundCloud
    • Google
    • You Tube
      • Music on YouTube
      • Uplifting Shabads
      • Guru Nanak Shabads
      • Meditation & Chanting
      • Shabads for Kids
      • Shabads of Guru Arjan
      • Shabads of Guru Gobind Singh
  • Videos
    • Uplifting
    • Guru Nanak
    • Meditation
    • For Kids
    • Guru Arjan
    • Guru Gobind Singh
  • Projects
    • DhunAnand Foundation
    • Pandemic 2020
    • Guru Nanak 550
    • Namdev 750
    • Thoughts and Ruminations
    • What I Love to Read
  • News
  • Contact
    • Comment
    • Request
    • Send Email
    • Newsletter
    • FAQs
  • About
    • Biography
    • Photos
    • Music
    • FAQs
The importance of Naam or Name from The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad -
More: https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-brihadaranyaka-upanishad/d/doc118304.html

याज्ञवल्क्येति होवाच, यत्रायं पुरुषो म्रियते किमेनं न जहातीति; नामेति, अनन्तं वै नाम, अनन्ता विश्वे देवाः, अनन्तमेव स तेन लोकं जयति ॥ १२ ॥

yājñavalkyeti hovāca, yatrāyaṃ puruṣo mriyate kimenaṃ na jahātīti; nāmeti, anantaṃ vai nāma, anantā viśve devāḥ, anantameva sa tena lokaṃ jayati || 12 ||

12. ‘Yājñavalkya,’ said he, ‘when this man dies, what is it that does not leave him?’ ‘Name. The name indeed is infinite, and infinite are the Viśvadevas. He (who knows thus) wins thereby verily an infinite world.’

Is it only the organs of a liberated man that are merged, or is it also all[9] that moves them to action? If it is only the former, but not the latter, then with the presence of these stimulating causes the organs would again be likely to function. If, on the other hand, everything such as desire and action is merged, then only liberation is possible. It is to bring this out that the next question is put: ‘Yājñavalkya,’ said he, ‘when this man dies, what is it that does not leave him?’ The other said: Name. That is, everything is merged; only the name[10] is left because of its relation to the type, for the name is eternal. The name indeed is infinite —the infinity of the name is its eternity— and infinite are the Viśvadevas, because they possess the infinity of the name. He (who knows thus) wins thereby verīly an infinite world. Having identified himself with the Viśvadevas who possess the infinity of the name, he wins through this realisation only an infinite world.
If you want to sing, sing your best heart out. Not someone else's heart. Your own heart. Otherwise it will look fake as it should. Select a scale that is your own, not your favorite singers'. Choose variations that come naturally to you.  Sing simply like Ajahn meditates. Sing easily like Anthony Hopkins acts. Sing beautifully like John Keats poetries. In your own peculiar way. The sweetest. In sehaj. Effortless. 

Ajahn Chah (1918 - 1992) Buddhist teacher from Thailand on life: 

Do not try to become anything.
Do not make yourself into anything.
Do not be a meditator.
Do not become enlightened.
When you sit, let it be.
What you walk, let it be.
Grasp at nothing.
Resist nothing.


Anthony Hopkin on how he can effortlessly act difficult parts in an interview in the New Yorker Magazine (February 2021): 

"As the years have gone by, I’ve found it easier to act. When you’re younger, you want to become “it.” We used to have a forum out here for young actors, and all I could say to them was, “Just keep it as simple as you can. But if you have to do Stanislavski on it, if you have to do Lee Strasberg, fine. There’s nothing wrong with that.” I was trained in that way myself, in Method. As the years have gone by, I’ve incorporated into my skill set a fast means of doing it. That is, to keep it simple, keep it relaxed, and know the text. Once you learn the text, it’s like getting into a car after years of experience. It’s automatic.


John Keats on Poetry: 

"... if poetry comes not as naturally as the leaves to a tree, it had better not come at all."



This ghazal written by Shaad Azeemabadi (1846 - 1927) showcases the journey of a lover who is imploring his beloved to join him. Or perhaps its a journey of self discovery.

Dhoondo Ge Agar Mulkon Mulkon
Milne Ke Nahin Nayaab Hain Hum
Tabeer Hai Jiski Hasrat-O-Gham
Aye Humnafaso Woh Khwaab Hain Hum

Even if you search from nation to nation 
You won’t find me, for I’m a rare jewel.
With a willingness to handle grief and sorrow, 
O friends! I am an embodiment of that dream.


Roman Script
Dhoondo Ge Agar Mulkon Mulkon
Milne Ke Nahin Nayaab Hain Hum
Tabeer Hai Jiski Hasrat-O-Gham
Aye Humnafaso Woh Khwaab Hain Hum

Translation
Even if you search from nation to nation,
You won’t find me, for I’m a rare jewel.
With a willingness to handle grief and sorrow,
O friends! I am an embodiment of that dream.

Tabeer - Interpretation of a dream

Roman Script
Aye Dard Bata Kuch Tu Hi Pata
Ab Tak Yeh Mu’ammya Hal Na Hua
Hum Mein Hain Dil-E-Betaab Nihan
Yah Aap Dil-E-Betaab Hain Hum

Translation
O grief! Please help me understand
For the situation hasn't resolved itself yet,
Whether a restless heart is embedded inside me
Or am I the restless heart itself?


Roman Script
Main Hairat-O-Hasrat Ka Maara
Khamosh Khada Hoon Sahil Par
Dariya-E-Mohabbat Kehta Hai
“Aa Kuch Bhi Nahin Payaab Hain Hum”

Translation
I, driven by wonder and desire
Stand quietly at the bank of a river.
The river of love beckons,
"Don't be afraid, I am shallow and fordable”


Roman Script
Lakhon Hi Musafir Chalte Hain
Manzil pohunchte Hain Do Ik
Aye Ahl-E-Zamana Qadr Karo
Nayaab Na Hon Kamyaab Hain Hum

Translation
Millions of travelers walk,
Only a handful reach their destinations,
O my contemporaries! Appreciate me for I am,
rare, if not elusive.


Roman Script
Murghan-E-Qafas Ko Phoolon Ne
Aye Shaad Ye Kahla Bheja Hai
Aa Jao Jo Tum Ko Aana Ho
Aise Mein Abhi Shadaab Hain Hum

Translation
O Shaad! The flowers have dispatched
This message to birds in captivity
"Come if you wish to,
I am resplendent in the present moment."


Translation and further explanation can be found here: http://gurmeet.net/poetry/dhoondoge-agar-mulkon-mulkon/





Wich Rohi day Rahndiyan Nazuk Nazuk Jatyan
Wich Rohi De Raandiyaan, Naazuk Naazo Jattiyaan

Raateen karan shikaar dilaan de, deehaan valodan mattiyaan
Gujjare teer chalaavan kaari, sai sai dilariyaan phateeyaan
Kar kar dardmandaan koon zakhmi, hai hai badhan na pattiyaan
Chhedan bhedaan bakriyaan gaayi le le gaabe kattiyaan
Kai maskeen musaafar phaathe, chaud keeto ne tratiyaan
Dhui daar fakeer theeyun sai fakhar vaddaaiyaan stiyaan
Haun dilbar de kuttade dar dai birhon paiyaan gal gattiyaan
Moonjh fareed mazeed hamesha, aj kal khushiyaan ghattiyaan


विच्च रोही दे रहन्दियां (correct pronunciation is raandiyaan)

विच्च रोही दे रहन्दियां ।नाज़क नाज़ो जट्टियां ।

रातीं करन शिकार दिलें दे ।डेहां (deehaan) वलोड़न मट्टियां ।
गुझ्झड़े तीर चलावन कारी ।सै सै दिल्लड़ियां फट्टियां ।

कर कर दरदमन्दां कूं ज़खमी ।है है बधन न पट्टियां ।
छेड़न भेडां बक्करिया गाईं ।ले ले गाबे कट्टियां ।

कई मसकीन मुसाफर phaathe ।चौड़ कीतो ने तरट्टियां ।
धूई दार फ़कीर थ्यु से ।फ़खर वड्डाईआं स्ट्टियां ।

हउं दिलबर दै कुतड़े दर दै ।बिरहों पईआं गल गट्टियां ।
मूझ फ़रीद मज़ीद हमेशा ।अज्ज कल्ह खुशियां घट्टियां ।

Translation 

In the Rohi desert delicate country girls live

They attack their prey during night hours,
While in the daytime they wander around in wasteland.

They throw their sharp spears,
to lacerate hundreds of innocent hearts 

They injure the pitiable natives,
And don't even bandage the wounded people afterwards.

They play with sheep, goats and cows,
lambs, oxen and Buffalos,

They have ambushed many meek visitors,
Who failed to break out of the trap,

I became a celebrated saint,
But my pride made me low

I am a dog on my beloved’s door
with the strap of separation around my neck

O Farid! My sorrows are ever increasing
there is no sign of bliss these days








Kabhi Yahaan Tumhein Dhonda, Kabhi Wahaan Pohncha
Tumhari Deed Ki Khaatir Kahan Kahan Pohcha 
Ghareeb Mit Ga'ay, Pamaal Ho Gaye Laikin
Kisi Talak Na Tera Aaj Tak Nishaan Pohncha


Ho Bhi Nahi Aur Her Jaa Ho
Ho Bhi Nahi Aur Her Ja Ho
Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Her Zarray Mein Kiss Shaan Say Tu Jalwa Numa Hai
Hairaan Hai Magar Aqal K Kaisay Hai To Kia Hai
Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Tujhay Dair-O-Haram Mein Nai Dhonda Tu Nahi Milta
Magar Tashreef Farma Tujhay Apne Dil Mein Daikha Hai

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Dhonday Nahi Milay Ho Na Dhonday Say Kaheen Tum
Aur Phir Yeah Tamasha Hai, Jahan Hum Hein Waheen Tum

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Jab Bajuz Tairay Koi Dosra Maujood Nahi
Phir Samajh Mein Nahi Aata Tera Purdah Karna

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Harm O Dair Mein Hai Jalwa E Purfan Tera
Do Gharoon Ka Hai Charaagh E Kurkhe Roshan Tera

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Jo Ulfat Mein Tumhari Kho Gaya Hai, Usi Kho'ay Hoay Ko Kuch Mila Hai
Na But-Khanay, Na Kabay Mein Mila Hai, Magar Totay Hoay Dil Mein Mila Hai
Adam Bun Ker Kaheen To Chup Gaya Hai, Kaheen To Hast Bun Ker Aa Gaya Hai
Nahi Hai Tu To Phir Inkaar Kaisa, Nafi Bhi Tairay Honay Ka Pata Hai
Mein Jiss Ko Keh Raha Hoon Apni Hasti, Agar Wo Tu Nahi To Aur Kia Hai
Nahi Aaya Khayaloon Mein Agar Tu, To Phir Mein Kaisay Samjha Tu Khuda Hai

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Hairan Hoon Is Baat Pay, Tum Kon Ho Kia Ho
Haath Aao To But, Haath Na Aao To Khuda Ho

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Aqal Mein Jo Ghir Gaya La-Intiha Kiyoon Ker Hua
Jo Samajh Mein Aa Gaya Phir Wo Khuda Kiyoon Ker Hua

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Falsafi Ko Behas K Ander Khuda Milta Nahi
Dour Ko Suljha Raha Hai Aur Sira Milta Nahi

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Pata Yoon To Bata Daitay Ho Sub Ko La-Makaan Apna
Ta'ajub Hai Magar Rehtay Ho Tum Tootay Hoay Dil Mein

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Jab K Tujh Bin Nahi Koi Maujood
Phir Yeah Hangama Ay Khuda Kia Hai

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Chuptay Nahi Ho, Samnay Aatay Nahi Ho Tum, Jalwa Dikha K Jalwa Dikhatay Nahi Ho Tum
Dair O Haram K Jhagray Mita'tay Nahi Ho Tum, Jo Asal Baat Hai Wo Batatay Nahi To Tum
Hairaan Hoon Mairay Dil Mein Sama'ay Ho Kiss Tarah, Haan'la K Do Jahan Mein Samatay Nahi To Tum
Yeah Ma Bud O Haram, Yeah Qaleesa-o-Dair Kiyoon, Harjayii Ho Jabhi To Bata'tay Nahi To Tum

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho




Dil Peh Hairat Nai Ajab Rung Jama Rakha Hai, Aik Uljhi Howi Tasveer Bana Rakha Hai
Kuch Samajh Mein Nahi Aata K Yeah Chakkar Kia Hai, Khail Kia Tum Nai Azal Say Yeah Racha Rakha Hai
Rooh Ko Jism K Pingray Ka Bana Ker Qaidee, Us Pay Phir Mout Ka Pehraa Bhi Bithaa Rakha Hai
Day K Tadbeer K Panchi Ko Uranay Tu Nai, Daam-E-Tadbeer Mein Her Sumt Bicha Rakha Hai
Kar K Araish E Qounain Ki Barsoon Tu Nai, Khatam Karne Ka Bhi Mansooba Bana Rakha Hai
La-Makaani Ka Bahr Haal Hai Dawa Bhi Tumhein, Nahl-O-Akrab Ka Bhi Paighaam Suna Rakha Hai
Yeah Burai, Wo Bhalai, Yeah Jahannum, Wo Bahisht, Is Ulat Phiar Mein Farmao To Kia Rakha Hai
Jurm Aadam Nai Kiya Aur Saza Baitoon Ko, Adl O Insaaf Ka Mi'aar Bhi Kia Rakha Hai
Dai K Insaan Ko Dunya Mein Khilafat Apni, Ik Tamasha Sa Zamanay Mein Bana Rakha Hai
Apni Pehchaan Ki Khaatir Hai Banaya Sub Ko, Sub Ki Nazaroon Say Magar Khud Ko Chup Rakha Hai

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Nit Naye Naqsh Banatay Ho Mita Daitay Ho, Janay Kiss Jurm-E-Tamanna Ki Saza Daitay Ho
Kabhi Kunker Ko Bana Daitay Ho Heeray Ki Kani, Kabhi Heeron Ko Bhi Mitti Mein Mila Daitay Ho
Zindagi Kitnay He Murdoon Ko Ata Ki Jiss Nai, Wo Maseeha Bhi Saleebon Pay Saja Daitay Ho
Khuwahish-E-Deed Jo Kar Baithay Sir-E-Tuur Koi, Tuur Hee Bark e Tajaali Say Jala Daitay Ho
Nalay Namrood Mein Dalwatay Ho Qudrat Na Khaleeq, Khud Hee Phir Naar Ko Gulzaar Bana Daitay Ho
Chahay Kin Aan Mein Phainko Kabhi Maah Kinaan, Noor Yaqoob Ki Aankhon Ka Bujha Daitay Ho
Day Ke Yusuf Ko Kabhi Mirs K Bazaaron Mein, Aakhir Kaar Shah-E-Misr Bana Daitay Ho
Jazb O Masti Ki Jo Manzil Pe Pohonchta Hai Koi, Baith Ker Dil Mein Anal Haq Ki Sada Daitay Ho
Khud He Lagwatay Ho Phir Kufr K Fatway Us Per, Khud He Mansoor Ko Sooli Peh Charha Daitay Ho
Apni Hasti Bhi Wo Ik Rooz Gawa Baith'ta Hai, Apne Darshan Ki Lagan Jiss Ko Laga Daitay Ho
Koi Ranjha Jo Kabhi Khoj Mein Nikle Teri, Tum Usay Jhang K Bele Mein Rula Daitay Ho
Justujo Lay K Tumhari Joh Chalay Qais Koi, Us Ko Majno Kisi Laila Ka Bana Daitay Ho
Jot? Sassi K Agar Mun Mein Tumhari Jaagay, Tum Usay Taptay Hoay Thal Mein Jala Daitay Ho
Sohni Gar Tum Ko Mahiwaal Tassawur Kar Le, Us Ko Bikhri Howi Lehron Mein Baha Daitay Ho
Khudh Joh Chaho To Sar-E-Arsh Bula Kar Mehboob, Aik He Raat Mein Mairaaj Kara Daitay Ho

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Aap Hi Apna Pardah Ho
Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Jo Kehta Hoon Mana Tumhein Lagta Hai Bura Sa, Phir Bhi Hai Mujhay Tum Say Baharhaal Gila Sa
Chup Chaap Rahay Daikhtay Tum Arsh-E-Bareen Per, Taptay Hoay Karbal Mein Mohammad Ka Nawasa
Kiss Tarah Pilata Tha Laahu Apna Wafa Ko, Khud Teen Dino Say Wo Agarchay Tha Piyasa
Dushmun To Bahar Haal Thay Dumshun Magar Afsoos, Tum Nai Bhi Faraham Na Kia Pani Zara Sa
Her Zulm Ki Taufeeq Hai Zaalim Ki Wirasat, Mazloom K Hissay Mein Tasalli Na Dilasa
Kal Taaj Saja Daikha Tha Jis Shaqs K Sir Per, Hai Aaj Usi Shaqs K Haathon Mein Hikasa
Yeh Kia Hai Agar Pochon To Kehtay Ho Jawaban, Is Raaz Say Ho Sakta Nahi Koi Shanasa

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Hairat Ki Ik Dunya Ho
Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Har Aik Jaan Pey Ho, Laikin Pata Nahi Maloom
Tumahra Naam Suna Nai, Nishaan Nahi Maloom

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Dil Say Armaan Jo Nikal Ja'ay To Jugnu Ho Ja'ay, Aur Aankhon Mein Simat Aa'ay To Aanso Ho Ja'ay
Ja Pe Ya Huu Ka Jo Be Hu Karay Hu Mein Kho Ker, Us Ko Sultaniyaan Mil Jaein Woh Baahu Ho Ja'ay
Baalgi Ka Na Kisi Ka Ho Churi Ke Neechay, Halk-E-Asghar Mein Kabhi Teer Tarazu Ho Ja'ay

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Kiss Qadar Beniyaaz Ho Tum Bhi
Daastan E Niyaaz Ho Tum Bhi
Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Raah-E-Tehqeeq Mein Her Gaam Pay Uljhan Daikhoon, Wohi Halaat O Khayalaat Mein Anaban Daikhoon
Bana Ke Rah Jaata Hoon Tasaveer Pareshaani Ki, Ghaur Say Jab Bhi Kabhi Dunya Ke Darpan Daikhoon
Aik He Khaaq Pay Fitrat Ke Tajaadaat Itne, Itne Hisson Mein Banta Aik He Angan Daikhoon
Kahin Zahmat Ki Sulagti Howi Patjhar Ka Sama, Kahin Rahmat Ke Barastay Hoay Sawan Daikhon
Kahin Punkartay Darya, Kabhin Khamosh Pahar, Kabhi Jungle, Kahin Sahra, Kahin Gulshan Daikhoon
Khoon Rulata Hai Yeh Taqseem Ka Andaaz Mujhay, Koi Dhanwaan Yahaan Per Koi Nirdhan Daikhoon
Din Ke Haathon Mein Faqat Ek Sulagta Suraj, Raat Ki Maang Sitaroon Say Muzayyan Daikhon
Kahin Murjha'ay Howe Phool Hein Sach'chaii Ke, Aur Kahin Jhoot Ke Kaanton Pay Bhi Joban Daikhon
Shams Ki Khaal Kaheen Khinchti Nazar Aati Hai, Kaheen Sarmad Ki Utarti Howi Gardan Daikhoon
Raat Kia Shay Hai Sawayra Kia Hai, Yeah Ujala Yeah Andhera Kia Hai
Mein Bhi Naayib Hoon Tumhara Aakhir, Kiyoon Yeh Kehtay Ho K Tera Kya Hai

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Daikhnay Wala Tujhay Kia Dekhta
Tu Nai Her Rung Say Pardah Kia

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho

Masjid Mandir Yeh Mekhanay, Koi Yeh Manay Koi Woh Manay
Sub Tere Hein Jaana Kasahanay, Koi Yeh Manay Koi Woh Manay
Ik Honay Ka Tere Qaail Hai, Inkaar Pay Koi Maail Hai
Ik Khalq Mein Shaamil Karta Hai, Ik Sub Say Akela Rehta Hai
Hein Dono Tere Mastanay, 
Koi Yeh Manay Koi Woh Manay

Sub Hein Jab Aashiq Tumhare Naam Ke, 
Kiyoon Yeh Jhagray Hein Rahim-O-Raam Ke

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Dair Mein Tu Haram Mein Tu, Arsh Pe Tu Zameen Pe Tu
Jiss Ki Pohonch Jahan Talak Us K Liyeah Waheen Pe Tu

Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Her Ik Rung Mein Yakta Ho
Her Ik Rung Mein Yakta Ho
Tum Ek Gorakh Dhanda Ho


Markaz E Justuju, Aalam E Rung O Boo, Dum Ba Dum Jalwagar Tu He Tu Chaar Su
Hu K Mahool Mein Kuch Nahi Illah Hu, Tum Bohot Dilruba Tum Bohot Khoobaru
Arsh Ki Azmatein Farsh Ki Aabro, Tum Ho Qonein Ka Haasil-E-Aarzo
Aankh Nay Ker Lia Aanso'on Say Wazu, Ub To Ker Do Ata Deed Ka Ik Sabu
Aao Parday Say Tum Aankh K Ru Baru, Chund Lamhay Milan Do Ghari Guftagu
Naaz Jabta Phiray Ja Baja Qo Ba Qu, Wahdahu Wahdahu La Shareeka Laho


Allah Hu Allah Hu Allah Hu Allah Hu
Allah Hu Allah Hu Allah Hu Allah Hu


Lyrics: Sheikh Muhammad Sadiq Hussain

Yaar de naave tann mann laa ke
Assan apna farz nibhaya


Baaki sabak nahi padne change
Assan iko vird pakaya


Reh gaye sochan sochde jehde
Ohna avein waqt gavaya


Sadak yaar mana lai jehna
Ohna jeen da maqsad paaya


Tasbih de ik ik daane te
Tu yaar da vird pakaunda raho


Rabba jaan lai tu yaar da dwara
Makke da painda muk javega


Ohdi yaad da vichcha ke tu masalla
Tu ishq di namaaz neet lai


Kasse sajna tu ankhiyan de bhar ke
Wazu hanjuan de paani de naal kar ke


Bhavein hain e hanju anmol moti
Ohdi yaad de vich tu gereya kar
Kithe wakhre bai ke duniya ton
Ohde naam de tasbih phereya kar


Oh ruseya aape mann jayega
Tu apna farz nibhaunda raho


Tun dil de sheeshe vich rakh lai
Tasveeran apne yaar diyan


Tun maar ke jhaati apne vich
Nit yaar da darshan paunda raho


Chchad jhoothe vird wazifeyan nu
Ohde ishqe da qaeeda padeya kar


Jag bhavein kaafir kehnda rahe
Tu eho sabak pakaunda raho


Oh bole bhavein na bole
Eh marzi ohde dil de e


Sar rakh ke yaar de qadman te
Tu sajna sees nawaunda raho


Je bandeya tun kujh khatna e
Bas ik da hoja chup karke


Tu lag ke aakhe lokan de
Na avein waqt gawaunda raho


Je tak leya sohneya ik waari
Tenu saadak manzil mil jayegi


Tun athru ohdiyan yaadan de
Nit ankhiyan vich sajaunda raho
People with a higher sense of purpose live longer and happier ... 

https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/a-meaningful-job-linked-to-higher-income-and-a-longer-life.html#.WROJWlPytE4

A Meaningful Job Linked to Higher Income and a Longer Life

Throughout the 1970s, the oral historian Studs Terkel traveled the country interviewing dozens of regular people about their jobs. After interviewing everyone from telephone operators to strip miners for his book Working, Turkel concluded: “Work is about a search for daily meaning as well as daily bread, for recognition as well as cash, for astonishment rather than torpor…” As Terkel saw it, most of us “have jobs that are too small for our spirit” – that is, a good job is about more than a steady paycheck.

Surveys show that a sense of meaning or purpose is often rated as one of the most desirable qualities in a job, sometimes even topping perks like a higher salary. Research has also linked a strong sense of purpose or meaning to a multitude of positive outcomes, ranging from a longer life to a bigger bank account.

In a 2014 study published in Psychological Science, researchers Patrick L. Hill (Carleton University) and Nicholas A. Turiano (West Virginia University) analyzed data collected from over 6,000 people as part of the longitudinal Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. As part of this questionnaire, participants answered questions gauging their sense of purpose in life (e.g., “Some people wander aimlessly through life, but I am not one of them”), as well as questions that gauged other psychosocial variables, including the experience of positive and negative emotions.

Fourteen years after the initial survey, approximately 570 of the original participants had died (about 9% of the sample). Interestingly, those who had self-rated themselves as having a high sense of purpose were more likely to have survived. Even after controlling for other markers of psychological and affective well-being, the results of the analysis showed that purposeful individuals outlived their more aimless peers.

“Our findings point to the fact that finding a direction for life, and setting overarching goals for what you want to achieve can help you actually live longer, regardless of when you find your purpose,” Hill said in a statement. “These findings suggest that there’s something unique about finding a purpose that seems to be leading to greater longevity.”

But feeling a sense of meaning in life, and in work specifically, isn’t just good for our health, it may also be good for our wallets. In a new study, Hill and Turiano found that a sense of purpose not only buffered against mortality, it also predicted financial success.

“Studies show that purpose correlates positively with more expansive future time perspectives and with a greater sense that their time is being used effectively to fulfill downstream goals,” Hill, Turiano, and colleagues write in the Journal of Research in Personality. “As such, purposeful people may be more likely to save money or make investments that support downstream goals, and not squander resources based on impulsive decisions.”

As in the previous study, the research team analyzed data collected from MIDUS. This time, the research team also analyzed self-report measures on income and net worth. Respondents were asked about their wages over the past year, their spouse’s earnings, government assistance, stocks and bonds, savings, real estate, vehicles, and debts.

The median net worth in 1995 was $32,500. Around 9 years later, when the second wave of the survey was conducted, the median net worth had risen to $137,700 in 1995 dollars.

Again, more purposeful people came out ahead of their peers; a one standard deviation increase in purpose was associated with an “increase of $4,461 in income and $20,857 in net worth over time, even controlling for the other variables.”

Exactly why purposeful individuals gained an economic edge was unclear. People who started out with a higher sense of purpose had higher levels of household income and net worth initially, and were also more likely to increase this wealth over the nine years between assessments.

“For one, if purposeful individuals tend to be physically and psychologically healthier, they will incur fewer health care costs and miss work less frequently,” the researchers explain. “Purposeful individuals also may be more focused on their occupational objectives, as one study suggested that individuals who rated occupational goals as more important during the transition to adulthood reported a greater sense of purpose in adulthood. If so, purposeful individuals may strive toward occupational success, which would likely increase personal income.”
Newer Posts Older Posts Home

SHIVPREET SINGH

Singing oneness!
- Shivpreet Singh

Related Posts

Popular - 30 days

  • Vande Mataram - Lyrics and Translation
    Vande Mataram is the national song of India. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in a mixture of Bengali and Sanskrit. Vande Matara...
  • Kabir's Gao Gao Ri Dulhani - Lyrics and meanings
    One of my favorite Kabir's poem I call "Dulhani." In this beautiful poem, Kabir envisions himself as the bride and the univers...
  • The Many Types of Raag Malhar
    Pour love in your heart, like the rain pours on the land today. As I am working on a Meerabai song I am doing research on the different vari...
  • Gulon Mein Rang Bhare - Lyrics and Translation of Mehdi Hassan Ghazal
    I was listening and meditating upon this beautiful ghazal by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, beautifully composed by Mehdi Hassan. It is one of my favorite...
  • Nasro Mansoor Guru Gobind Singh - Bhai Nand Lal Goya
    I have been singing this shabad for over 30 years; I composed it when I was a teenager. It comes from a fairly long poem of 55 couplets, lyr...
  • Two Raag Basant Compositions of Professor Kartar Singh
    Yesterday, we lost an amazing kirtaniya, Prof. Kartar Singh ji who passed away at the age of 94 years.  He was recently handed over the Padm...
  • Punjabi Tappe - Tappa from the folk tradition
    Today I came across some unusal tappas sung by Ghulam Ali ... I am writing this as I listen to them.  'Tappa' is believed to be orig...
  • Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye je - Lyrics and Translation
    Vaishnava Jana To is a Hindu bhajan, written in the 15th century by the poet Narsinh Mehta in the Gujarati language. The poem speaks about ...
  • Earth Day - Finding Peace in Wild Things, and Freedom on Earth
    Happy Earth Day folks! Those who have found love in nature can find true freedom, and inspire others to be free. I believe poetry can be a p...
  • Albert Einstein's Advice to his Son: "Play What Pleases You"
    On November 25th, 1915, Albert Einstein unveiled his general theory of relativity to the Prussian Academy of Sciences, the result of nearly ...

Blog Archive

  • ►  2023 (1)
    • ►  February (1)
  • ►  2022 (7)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ►  2021 (138)
    • ►  December (15)
    • ►  November (2)
    • ►  October (6)
    • ►  September (7)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (4)
    • ►  May (20)
    • ►  April (21)
    • ►  March (35)
    • ►  February (23)
    • ►  January (3)
  • ►  2020 (149)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (13)
    • ►  October (31)
    • ►  September (47)
    • ►  August (37)
    • ►  July (5)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (3)
    • ►  April (3)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2019 (43)
    • ►  December (5)
    • ►  November (8)
    • ►  October (14)
    • ►  September (4)
    • ►  July (2)
    • ►  June (1)
    • ►  May (2)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ►  2018 (54)
    • ►  December (8)
    • ►  November (5)
    • ►  October (3)
    • ►  September (5)
    • ►  August (6)
    • ►  July (3)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (6)
    • ►  April (5)
    • ►  March (2)
    • ►  February (4)
    • ►  January (3)
  • ▼  2017 (72)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (12)
    • ►  October (8)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ▼  August (7)
      • The importance of Naam/Name - Brihadaranyaka Upani...
      • Do not try to become anything
      • Dhoondo Ge Agar Mulkon Mulkon - Lyrics and Transla...
      • Wich Rohi de Randiyan - Khwaja Ghulam Fareed Kafi ...
      • Tum Ik Gorakh Dhanda Ho - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Ly...
      • Tasbih de ik ik daane te - Nusrat Song with Lyrics
      • People with a higher sense of purpose live longer ...
    • ►  July (6)
    • ►  June (12)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (7)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ►  2016 (141)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (9)
    • ►  October (16)
    • ►  September (19)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (5)
    • ►  June (7)
    • ►  May (3)
    • ►  April (18)
    • ►  March (34)
    • ►  February (16)
    • ►  January (11)
  • ►  2015 (29)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (13)
    • ►  August (1)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  April (7)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2014 (107)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (6)
    • ►  October (1)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (11)
    • ►  April (10)
    • ►  March (15)
    • ►  February (24)
    • ►  January (36)
  • ►  2013 (242)
    • ►  December (13)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (3)
    • ►  August (3)
    • ►  June (7)
    • ►  May (62)
    • ►  April (79)
    • ►  March (12)
    • ►  February (23)
    • ►  January (35)
  • ►  2012 (148)
    • ►  December (29)
    • ►  November (33)
    • ►  October (44)
    • ►  September (5)
    • ►  August (9)
    • ►  July (7)
    • ►  June (1)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (1)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (9)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2011 (253)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  October (4)
    • ►  September (13)
    • ►  August (28)
    • ►  July (45)
    • ►  June (33)
    • ►  May (15)
    • ►  April (2)
    • ►  March (45)
    • ►  February (43)
    • ►  January (23)
  • ►  2010 (71)
    • ►  December (31)
    • ►  November (20)
    • ►  October (3)
    • ►  September (3)
    • ►  August (1)
    • ►  July (2)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2009 (15)
    • ►  December (1)
    • ►  November (3)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (2)
    • ►  August (1)
    • ►  June (1)
    • ►  April (1)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2008 (15)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  July (2)
    • ►  June (5)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  April (2)
    • ►  March (1)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2007 (9)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ►  August (2)
  • ►  1999 (1)
    • ►  May (1)

Message

Name

Email *

Message *

Twitter

Tweets by @shivpreetsingh


Copyright © Shivpreet Singh. Designed by OddThemes