The Dharma Types: Secrets of the Five Ancient Castes that will Transform Your Life! - Softcover

Simon Chokoisky

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0984885919 ISBN 13: 9780984885916

Publisher: Upaya Publications, 2012

Synopsis

Have you ever wondered why, despite great obstacles, some people achieve success, while others, though given everything, seemed to squander it away? Or why some people despite having very little, radiate joy, while others appear miserable, though surrounded by opulence? The answer is Dharma: knowing your soul purpose and living it is the key to creating a fulfilling life. For the first time ever, the system of Dharma Types has been re-interpreted and freshly presented for a new age, for both East and West. Rooted deep in the Vedic tradition that has preserved Dharma’s secret for over 5,000 years, this book presents the answers to the dilemmas of our time in a radical new way, by helping to answer life’s most profound questions. "Simon Chokoisky's -The Dharma Types- is a beautiful book. Reading it carefully will give you insight into your dharma, and help you heal your life." --Dr. Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, author, -Ayurveda, the Science of Self-Healing- About the Author Simon Chokoisky teaches Sanskrit, Jyotisha, and special workshops at the Ayurvedic Institute. He has traveled widely and speaks five languages. He currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife, Ventzi.

About this title

About the Author

Simon Chokoisky teaches Sanskrit, Jyotisha, and special workshops at the Ayurvedic Institute. He has traveled widely and speaks five languages. He currently lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife, Ventzi.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction and Self-Tests

DISCOVER YOUR DHARMA TYPE!

Dharma types are individual archetypal myths--the “I AM” identity that guides each of us in subtle but definitive patterns. Today we associate the word myth with something unreal or untrue, but to our ancestors myths spoke to an enduring truth that lay beyond the ken of the senses. Our everyday world is in perpetual flux--coming into being, changing form, and dying. But myth is eternal, driven by the intelligent blueprint that underlies the mundane world of name and form.

Use the test below to discover your dharma dype. Take your whole life into consideration when choosing your answers--life cycles can make it difficult to access your essential dharma look, so look at your self from childhood to now to get a complete portrait. This should help you determine your type, or at least narrow it down sufficiently to make a determination when you read the descriptions in part 1 of this book. Enjoy!

SELF-TEST I

Circle the answers that best apply to you. You may choose more than one answer for each question if applicable. Try to think of qualities that are permanent in you--how you have always been--rather than how you are at times or during recent changes in your life. Tally them at the end to determine your dharma type.

1. Circle the word that means the most to you or describes you best.
a. Freedom
b. Loyalty
c. Wisdom
d. Honor
e. Prosperity

2. Circle the phrase that means the most to you or describes you best.
a. Independence and Bliss
b. Love and Devotion
c. Worldliness and Knowledge
d. Discipline and Perfection
e. Entertainment and Fun

3. Circle the phrase that means the most to you or describes you best.
a. I love being alone. Sometimes I hate people, sometimes I like them, but they usually don’t understand me.
b. I don’t mind being alone as long as I have something constructive and productive to do.
c. I love being alone. I like people, but I need time to spend by myself for quiet contemplation and rejuvenation.
d. I don’t mind being alone, as long as I have a goal to accomplish.
e. I hate being alone. I prefer the company of people, even if I don’t know them.

4. Circle the phrase that means the most to you or describes you best.
a. I like strange, dark, or wild places, remote places no one has ever thought of or been to.
b. I like the plains and wide expanses of earth. I like living close to the ground, on ground floors rather than high-rise apartments.
c. I like high and remote places. I like upper floors, high-rise buildings, and living above others looking down.
d. I like challenging places. Places that are high, but not so high as to be remote. I like fortified and strong places.
e. From the Beverly Hills to gently rolling slopes, I like places where the action is; places that are easy to get to but also exclusive. I like living in the middle ground, not too high, not too low, where there is activity and access to the world.

5. Circle the sentence that describes you best.
a. I am the rebel or black sheep of my family. As a parent, I give freedom to my kids and let them individualize themselves from others.
b. I am deeply bonded with my family. As a parent, I nurture my kids by making sure they are well fed, healthy, and content.
c. I tend to teach my family and urge them to improve themselves. As a parent, I make certain my kids learn how to think for themselves, get a good education, and understand the world.
d. I am the strong one in my family. As a parent, I lead by example and earn my kids’ respect with discipline and order.
e. I actively support my family with shelter and resources. As a parent, I provide for my kids and make sure they understand the value of money, self-effort, and making your way in the world.

6. In religion I most value the following:
a. Going my own way
b. Faith and Devotion
c. Study and Scripture
d. Penance and Discipline
e. Rituals and Observances

7. In marriage I most value the following:
a. An unconventional spouse, one who understands my particular quirks and desires.
b. A dutiful spouse who is loyal and provides for me: a woman who cooks and cleans/a man who brings home the bacon.
c. A sensitive, intelligent spouse.
d. A challenging spouse with whom I can do activities.
e. A beautiful spouse.

8. I mainly watch TV for:
a. Horror, alternative political and spiritual viewpoints, science fiction . . .the Sci-Fi, FX, Indie, and Alternative channels.
b. Family, Drama, History, and Community programs like soap operas, Reality TV, daytime shows, cartoons, entertainment gossip, and re-runs.
c. Educational, thought-provoking, human-interest stories, and entertainment . . . National Geographic, PBS, Sci-Fi, and Documentary channels.
d. Sports, Action, News & Politics, Adventure stories, and entertainment . . . ESPN, CNN.
e. Fun programs, drama, music, comedy, game shows, financial and motivational stories, and entertainment . . . HBO, Comedy Channel, Spike.

9. Under stress I tend to:
a. bend the rules or lie to get my way, feel invisible, and self-deprecate
b. become lazy, close down in my own space, and worry a lot
c. be scatterbrained, feckless, and wishy-washy
d. become anger-prone, inattentive, and reckless
e. be moody/depressed, loud, and restless

10. At my best I am:
a. A Revolutionary, an Inventor, a Genius
b. A Devoted Friend, a Hard Worker, a Caregiver
c. A Counselor, a Teacher, a Diplomat
d. A Leader, a Hero, a Risk-Taker
e. An Optimist, a Self-Starter, a Promoter, an Adventurer

Answer Key
Tally your answers now; the most selected letter likely reflects your Dharma Type. For confirmation you should now move on to SELF TEST 2.
A. Outsider
B. Laborer
C. Educator
D. Warrior
E. Merchant

Edition details

• Publisher: Upaya Publications
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0984885919
• ISBN 13: 9780984885916
• Binding: Perfect Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 350
• Illustrator: Vijay Murtikar