"Getting a person out of a cult is one thing, but getting the cult out of the person is another!"
Cults have always existed because there are innate human characteristics - and one of them is one you touch on Enlightened. Purpose.
One way humans differ from animals (generalising here) is the ability to think abstractly and dualistically, and we do this well, often to the point of distraction.
Purpose is what we put forward as a goal, target, an end to be achieved. This ability, to set a purpose and make plans for fulfilling that enables us to change things considerably from what they are to something else. This is our human "advantage" over most animals, who basically leave things as they are. We plan something "other" and we put into effect. Through purpose we achieve and progress.
But, what makes us think that our life has some "purpose" which existed before our life did, separate to it or was the reason we live? is not the purpose of our life ... whatever we think it is?
Getting stuck on a purpose, or getting stuck on coming up with one that "inspires us", causes much distress and waste of time. (The need for some moment of "Yes, that's it! That's my purpose - now everything finally has some value").
Cults and advertisers and salesmen all exploit any psychological vacuum of "purpose".
They plant the question then give their answer.
Even when purpose is found, the problem is, sometimes, that "purpose" is later found to be "
not it", or once something changes, has no more relevance, then what? How many mums feel "relevance deprivation" when the kids have grown, or stockbrokers suicide when the markets crash, or you've just qualified in a field that is in shrinking demand?
It is inflating an abstract balloon, which does carry some through life if they are 'lucky' but, for others less lucky, it doesn't. Then again, if the balloon pops and we fall, sometimes it's only then we'll get a bigger perspective undistorted by the artificial looking-glass of "purpose".
Purpose is not pre-existing us nor some cosmic plan. We are. I am, I be. That's it.
The rest is speculation.
Accept that simple premise "that's it" for now - We then ask ourselves "what small or larger purpose do we need to come up with to live by?"
I'd say, whatever enhances my being, my is-ness, (my well-being) is a good purpose and what detracts from it is not.
As humans are social creatures, what enhances others' well-being enhances our own, and what enhances our well-being enhances others'.
So if we do the essential things, the small and simple things well, that's the foundation for anything else, which will be a bonus.
Where does purpose and meaning come from?
Us, so invest them prudently.