Question: Swami, what is the real purpose of human birth? Shri Datta Swami: The human birth is extremely rare and precious. It is obtained after millions of births in lower species. The unique feature of human life is the developed intelligence that can discriminate between right and wrong, real and unreal. The purpose of human life is threefold: 1. To recognize the existence of God 2. To develop devotion towards God 3. To serve God and His creation selflessly Animals cannot think about God or spirituality. Only humans have this capacity. Therefore, using this precious human birth merely for eating, sleeping, and reproducing is a tremendous waste. The ultimate purpose is to attain liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death by realizing our true nature as eternal souls connected to the Supreme Soul.