Ikigai vs. Swadharma:

Two Paths to Meaning and Purpose

Thanks to the opportunity by IIW, there are two programs I am helping. One is Gita For Leadership and the other is Gita for Communication and Relationships. The next few posts will touch upon some topics we covered. There are rich stories, interesting challenges, and wonderful collaboration.

Introduction

The search for purpose and fulfillment is a universal quest, spanning cultures and philosophies. Two powerful concepts that offer guidance on this journey are Ikigai from Japanese philosophy and Swadharma from the Bhagavad Gita. While Ikigai emphasizes finding a life direction that integrates personal joy, skills, societal needs, and financial sustainability, Swadharma focuses on one's inherent duty, guided by nature, values, and spiritual growth.

This article explores the similarities and differences between Ikigai and Swadharma, illustrating how each can shape a meaningful life. Through a case study and reflection questions, we aim to help you discover which approach (or combination of both) resonates most with you.

What is Ikigai?

Ikigai (生き甲斐) is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to "reason for being." It represents the intersection of four fundamental elements:

1. What you love (Passion)

2. What you are good at (Vocation)

3. What the world needs (Mission)

4. What you can be paid for (Profession)

When these four elements align, one finds Ikigai—a fulfilling and sustainable purpose in life. The concept is often visualized as a Venn diagram, emphasizing balance in personal fulfillment and societal contribution. It is a practical philosophy that guides career choices, hobbies, and daily habits.

Example: A doctor who loves helping people, excels in medicine, addresses a crucial need in society, and earns a living through it has found their Ikigai.

What is Swadharma?

Swadharma (स्वधर्म) is a Sanskrit term from the Bhagavad Gita, meaning "one's own duty" or "righteous path based on one's nature." Unlike Ikigai, which focuses on external factors and societal needs, Swadharma is inwardly directed, rooted in one’s natural tendencies, inherent strengths, and spiritual evolution.

In Bhagavad Gita 3.35, Lord Krishna says:

श्रेयान् स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात् स्वनुष्ठितात्।

स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः॥

śhreyān swa-dharmo viguṇaḥ para-dharmāt svanuṣhṭhitāt

swa-dharme nidhanaṁ śhreyaḥ para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ

Listen

"It is better to do one’s own duty imperfectly than to do another’s duty perfectly. It is better to die in one’s own duty; another’s duty is fraught with fear."

Swadharma is not about personal preference or external validation. It is about discovering and following one's innate duty, even if it is challenging or less rewarding in worldly terms.

Example: A warrior, even if he finds peace work attractive, must fight when duty calls. Likewise, an artist should follow their creative calling even if financial success is uncertain.

Case Study: A Corporate Professional at a Crossroads

Background

Amit, a 42-year-old corporate executive, has worked in finance for nearly two decades. He earns well and has a stable career, but he feels unfulfilled. He is passionate about environmental sustainability and enjoys writing about eco-friendly lifestyles. Recently, he has been contemplating whether to transition to full-time environmental advocacy or stay in his well-paying job.

Ikigai Perspective

If Amit applies the Ikigai model, he would ask:

Does he love environmental advocacy? Yes.

Is he good at it? Moderately; he is an excellent communicator but lacks expertise in policy or activism.

Does the world need it? Absolutely.

Can he be paid for it? Not immediately, but opportunities exist.

From an Ikigai standpoint, Amit should find a way to integrate his passion into his professional life—perhaps by shifting to a role in corporate sustainability rather than quitting his job entirely.

Swadharma Perspective

From the Swadharma perspective, Amit should ask:

What is his natural calling? If finance is his innate skill and his expertise serves society, abandoning it entirely may not align with Swadharma.

Is he running away from discomfort? If he seeks environmental work only to escape corporate stress, it may not be his true Swadharma.

How can he integrate duty and passion? Instead of quitting, he could apply his financial expertise to impact investing, supporting eco-friendly businesses.

Thus, Swadharma would guide Amit toward accepting his duty in finance while integrating his passion into it.

Ikigai vs. Swadharma: Key Differences

Reflection Questions

1. Passion vs. Duty: Do you feel more drawn to what excites you or what you feel is your responsibility?

2. Skill Alignment: What are you naturally good at? Do you suppress these abilities in pursuit of something else?

3. Societal Impact: Does your work serve the world meaningfully, or do you feel disconnected from its larger purpose?

4. Internal vs. External Fulfillment: Do you seek external validation, or do you feel an inner calling regardless of recognition?

5. Career vs. Dharma: If you had no financial worries, what would you do? Is it in alignment with your true nature?

Conclusion: Integrating Ikigai and Swadharma

Both Ikigai and Swadharma offer valuable insights into living a purposeful life. Ikigai is practical, guiding choices through passion, skills, and social contribution, while Swadharma emphasizes one’s inner duty, even when it is difficult.

For many, the ideal path is a blend of both—using Ikigai to find practical alignment in work while using Swadharma to ensure deeper integrity and self-actualization.

If you're at a crossroads in life, ask yourself:

Am I aligning my work with my passions and skills (Ikigai)?

Am I honoring my inner calling and duty (Swadharma)?

How can I integrate both to lead a life of fulfillment and contribution?

By reflecting on these questions, you can walk a path that is both meaningful and true to your nature.

Photo by Shreesha bhat on Unsplash