The Pursuit of Happiness: Finding Tranquility Within

Introduction

Happiness is a universal desire that has driven human actions throughout history. We are motivated by two fundamental impulses: the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of sorrow. We seek joy through various means, such as acquiring wealth, possessions, engaging in enjoyable activities, and forming loving relationships. Simultaneously, we strive to steer clear of physical pain, betrayal, poverty, fear, and other sources of sorrow. In our quest for happiness, we have witnessed remarkable milestones in human progress, from ancient discoveries like fire-making to modern marvels like space exploration and medical advancements. However, with the abundance of physical comforts and conveniences available today, it is worth pondering whether we are truly happier or if the correlation between material possessions and happiness has diminished.

The Illusion of Happiness in External Objects

Research indicates that beyond a certain point, increased wealth does not lead to increased happiness. It is crucial to identify the true source of happiness. We commonly believe that the joy we experience stems from the sensory pleasures provided by external objects. We think it lies in beautiful music for our ears, soothing creams for our skin, or exciting shapes for our eyes. Consequently, we incessantly pursue more and more objects that gratify our senses. Yet, many individuals find that their happiness does not grow proportionally to the wealth they accumulate.

The State of Mind and the Pursuit of Happiness

If happiness were truly contained within the objects themselves, every object would offer the same amount of joy to all who encountered it. However, this is not the case. Consider the example of a person smoking a cigar. While one individual may find immense pleasure in it, another might detest the experience. This disparity highlights the fallacy of associating happiness solely with external objects. Instead, happiness resides within our state of mind.

Tranquility as the Measure of Happiness

Our mental state determines our happiness. When the mind is agitated, we experience sorrow and anxiety. Conversely, when the mind is tranquil, we feel joy. Therefore, the measure of happiness lies in the tranquility of our minds. Although contact with sense objects can sometimes induce temporary tranquility, it is essential to recognize that such moments are fleeting. Acquiring a new car or the latest iPhone may provide a temporary sense of contentment, but it does not offer lasting happiness.

Discovering the Real Joy of Living

True happiness can only be found by quieting the mind. Once we master the art of calming our minds, we no longer feel compelled to pursue external objects for peace and happiness. Instead, we learn to live in a state of permanent happiness that remains unaffected by our environment or circumstances. This state of being offers true fulfillment and contentment.

The Formula for Happiness

Happiness can be understood through a simple formula: Happiness = (Number of desires fulfilled) / (Number of desires entertained). We can increase our happiness by either fulfilling more desires or reducing the number of desires we entertain. Fulfilling existing desires helps to quiet the agitation created by unmet desires. Simultaneously, entertaining fewer desires reduces the restlessness in our minds. In either case, it is the lessening of mental agitation that brings about tranquility and, consequently, happiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let us strive to discover happiness within ourselves and learn to quiet our minds in the pursuit of lasting contentment. While external objects may provide temporary pleasure, true happiness resides in the state of mind we cultivate. By embracing tranquility and diminishing the restlessness caused by unfulfilled desires, we can attain a state of permanent happiness independent of external factors. So, let us embark on a journey of self-discovery, finding the joy that resides within us.

Ref:Self-Unfoldment

My World

Every human thinks that there is only one world. They are right up to some extent. However, if we look closely, every creature on this Earth has its own manifested world. Everyone has their own thoughts, feelings, emotions, anger, love, envy, etc. about things around them or themselves. For example, My name is Ram, I live in the USA, I am Hindu, I love Tennis, I dislike caste system, I work at MNC, I have plenty friends, I am rich, I am educated, I am smart, I am a brother, I am sister, etc. This is my world in my imagination. The same way everyone else have their own imagined world.

We have become so busy in our world that we don’t even recognize countless worlds around us. This makes us different from others at the thought level. We recognize people only based on their physical traits e.g. outer look, profession, color, race, religion, name, gender etc. But we fail to address their inside world, which is pretty much the same as ours. They want happiness and joy in their worlds like I want in mine.


But the problem starts when we think there is only one world and that is MY WORLD. Everyone else in my world is merely an actor, without realizing that I am also an actor in their world. When I think this is my world and everyone else should run according to my will, it creates a ripple effect on other's world. If this ripple is positive or brings comfort and happiness to others world, it is welcomed. But if the ripple creates a disturbance in another world then it faces retaliation, anger.

In other words, our likes and dislikes about each other depending upon the consequences of our relationships. A favorable consequence will result in liking and an unfavorable will result in disliking. For example, If someone helps or supports me in my deeds even if I am doing something unethical or against the law, it will generate feelings of liking for that person, hence the consequence of our relationship is favorable to me. On the other hand, if that person stops me, it will generate feelings of dislike and the consequence of our relationship will be unfavorable.


Our bodies are like clay vessels (e.g. cup, glass, jug, pot, etc.). If we look at these vessels, physically they look different from each other. They are named based on their shapes and attributes. However, the content they are made up of is the same "Clay". When these vessels are painted with various colors, it makes them look even more different from each other. Now imagine, these vessels bragging about their color, shape, capacity, and do the comparison with others unaware of the fact that the core content we all are made of is the same - Clay.


Now, what is the use of the vessel if it can't contain anything. Imagine, all these vessels are filled from the same source of water (OCEAN). When water was in the ocean it had no shape and when it was filled in vessels it took shape of the vessels. Water in the vessel has lost its contact with Ocean (its source).

If we think a little deep, human bodies are the same as these vessels. Like vessels, we have different attributes - black, white, fat, skinny, rich, poor, etc.  But we fall under one class(vessels) "Humans".


After paying close attention we see that our body is nothing, but a collection of flesh, bones, and blood covered under our skin. Some are dark in color, some are fair (like vessel designs and colors). But from inside we all are same as clay (flesh, bones, and blood).

Now we have the body, but what is that element which makes us aware that the body we are dwelling in is our body and pervading in this body like water in the pot. What makes this body breathe, move, talk and do various other activities? What is that if gone away from our body we are declared dead and our body is just handed over to fire or buried? This is something intangible that exists within our body, but the effect of its separation is very tangible. In order to explain this let's assume that when we are born with no past memory and we have no name. Then we are given a name by our family, introduced to the world and people around us, what religion we belong to, etc.


These teachings about us are imposed on us and we start believing that we are what our name is, we are what our religion is, we are what and how others see us. We start believing that we are merely our body and the death of our body is our death. We forget our true nature the same way water in vessel forgets about its true nature as Ocean. continued……