Happiness is widely used term among people of all categories in society but what happiness actually is. In fact, it is very difficult to define happiness. Everybody analyses happiness from his own way of thoughts, assumptions and aspirations. The idea of happiness differs from person to person, time to time and place to place. Some philosophers believe that happiness can be understood as the moral goal of life. Philosophers normally explain happiness as either a state of mind or a life that goes well for the person leading it.

According to Sociology, happiness is a complex idea influenced by some factors like social relationship, cultural values, social structures etc. It is not just an individual emotion but is deeply associated with social interactions and institutions. Sociologists explore how social structures and processes shape individual experiences of happiness and well-being.

In Indian epic Mahabharat, the largest epic in the world, the concept of happiness has been narrated extensively. According to Mahabharat, the concept of happiness is not confined to material pleasures or worldly success. It is associated with spiritual fulfillment and self-realisation. Yudhishthir, in Mahabharat, is considered as a symbol of righteousness. In Chapter 3 (the Forest Chapter) he came across the Yaksha in the shape of a heron. Yaksha asked Yudhishthir- who is happy in this world?  In reply Yudhishthir said, “One who can eat vegetable and rice at the end of the day, who is not indebted and who is not an expatriate, is happy.” However, this idea of happiness has been changed a lot according to flow of time.  Yet, it indicates that happiness is a psychological and spiritual concept, not dependent on material wealth or comfort.

In Mahabharat happiness is compared to spiritual progress. Peace and joy attained through self-realisation, knowledge, and adherence to Dharma (righteousness) is ultimate happiness. Mental peace and stability have been highlighted as important aspects of happiness. Keeping the mind cool, free from anger, greed, delusion, etc. lead us to the way of happiness.

Fulfillment one’s duties is considered an important component of happiness. Every person has certain duties in life.  By fulfilling these he can attain self-satisfaction. Being content with what one has and by abandoning unnecessary desires, happiness and mental peace can be attained. Simply speaking, to remain satisfied with minimum is an important factor of happiness. As Socrates said – How many things I can do without.

In Bhagawadgita, an important part of Mahabharat and an eternal scripture told by Sri Krishna to Arjun, happiness has been described as a fundamental human need, not a luxury or something additional or optional. True happiness comes from living in accordance with our deepest values and aspirations. Happiness can’t be achieved living in isolation but it is to be shared with others through our actions, relations and interactions.

Where do we seek happiness? In reply to this question Bhagawadgita says that every human action, consciously or subconsciously, is driven by a desire to be happy. We seek happiness in relationships, careers, wealth, entertainment and even travel. Yet, despite achieving these goals, the happiness we experience often proves ephemeral. Sometimes happiness remains unreachable. In a song Rabindranath has written – it flees, escapes our sight and calls by beckoning.

Most people spend their lives in pursuit of happiness but rarely stop to verify what happiness truly is and where it actually comes from. Mahabharat has provided answers to these endless questions explaining the nature of happiness, its true source and how one can live in lasting bliss, regardless of outward situations.

Happiness is an internal matter. True happiness can’t be found outside, it springs up from within. As Bhagawadgita teaches, joy arises when we align with our soul, not when we chase it. An idea dominates our modern world and day-to-day life that happiness is external, it depends on acquiring materials, influencing people or gaining experiences. But this is an illusion. If happiness consists in objects or achievements, owners of those would feel fulfilled. On the other hand, people without those things would be miserable. But life shows an opposite reality. Many wealthy people are unhappy but many less wealthy persons are to some extent content.

In Bhagawadgita Sri Krishna says - “One whose happiness is within, whose delight is within and whose light is within, that yogi attains eternal bliss.” Meaning, inner alignment, not material attainment, is the source of real happiness. It may be compared to wearing spectacles. We use spectacles to find out what we already possess but we are looking at the wrong place. So, seekers of happiness have to look within, to cultivate a life of internal richness based on virtue, character, spiritual wisdom and connection to the soul.

Sometimes pleasure is taken for happiness when it is derived from acquisition of objects. But pleasure is temporary, external, and sensory. Such happiness is like nectar at first though poison at the end. In contrast, happiness is long-lasting, internal and emotional. It arises from peace, love, and contentment. It appears like poison at first but nectar at the end. For instance, waking up early to meditate might appear uncomfortable at first at the end it is truly rewarding both physically and mentally.

________________________________

The writer is a former Commissioner of Taxes