Decoding Happiness

The most important finding is that happiness does not really depend on objective conditions of either wealth, health or community, rather it depends on the correlation between objective conditions and subjective expectations, like, if you want a bullock cart and get a bullock cart, you’re content, if you want a brand new ferrari and get a second-hand fiat you feel deprived. – Yuval Noah Harari

Decoding Happiness is an organized summary of thoughts presented on the eternal human need of ‘Being Happy’, as presented by two of the best modern day minds through their books; “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant”, by Eric Jorgenson and “Sapiens” , by Yuval Noah Harari.

While Jorgensen’s book draws from a plethora of references and experiences of modern day life, Harari presents happiness in the context of the learnings and teachings of Buddha. What is remarkable to note is that while mankind has evolved from the era of Lord Buddha to one of Artificial Intelligence, the definition of happiness, and how to be happy remain unchanged.

What is Happiness?

Happiness is a state when nothing is missing – when there is an internal silence, when the mind shuts down and stops regretting the past or worrying about the future.

Happiness is ever evolving. Happiness is more about peace than it is about joy. Peace is happiness at rest, and happiness is peace in motion.

True happiness is independent of external conditions and of our inner feelings. Indeed the more significance we give to our feelings, the more we crave them, and the more we suffer. Buddha’s recommendation was to stop not only the pursuit of external achievements, but also the pursuit of inner feelings.

Envy is the enemy of happiness

According to Buddhism, the root of suffering is neither the feeling of pain nor of sadness nor even of meaninglessness. Rather the real root of suffering is this never-ending and pointless pursuit of ephermal feelings, which causes us to be in a constant state of tension, restlessness and dissatisfaction. Due to this pursuit the mind is never satisfied. Even when experiencing pleasure, it is not content, because it fears this feeling might soon disappear, and craves that this feeling should stay and intensify.

How Can Mankind Be Happy ?

Happiness requires presence. A lot of unhappiness comes from comparing things from the past to free present. Memory and identity are burdens from the past preventing us from living freely in the present.

Happiness is not measured by the same set of universal parameters for all. For some, it’s contentment and satisfaction. For others it could be having things that they want in life.
Happiness is there when you remove the sense of something missing in life. It’s the absence of desire for external things.

People are liberated from suffering not when they experience this or that fleeting pleasure, but rather when they understand the impermanent nature of all their feelings, and stop craving them. This is the aim of Buddhist meditation practices.

In meditation you’re supposed to closely observe your mind and body, witness the ceasing arising and passing of all your feelings, and realise how pointless it is to pursue them. When the pursuit stops, the mind becomes very relaxed, clear and satisfied.

Happiness, love, and passion aren’t things you find – they are choices you make.

Like fitness and nutrition, happiness is a personal choice that can be practiced by following your own set of rules and techniques that make you happy.

Can Money Buy You Peace and Happiness ?

Money buys you freedom in the material world. It’s not going to make you happy – but it will remove the set of things that could get in the way of being unhappy. It’s not going to solve your health problems, it’s not going to make your family great, it’s not going to make you fit, it’s not going to make you calm. But it will solve a lot of your external problems. It’s therefore important to go ahead and make money. You can save money, you can choose to live a little below your means, and you can find a certain freedom. That will give you the time and energy to pursue your own internal peace and happiness. The solution to making everybody happy is to give them what they want.

Source : Adapted from “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant”, by Eric Jorgenson

Take Care of Yourself

The experiences of life teach you more than anything else – about yourself, relationships, business, money, health, work, spirituality.
I have always believed that, Life is Beautiful and have realized that no one but you, yourself are responsible for bringing happiness to your life. Happy times may not be always, but you have to be patient and positive, and keep doing your part. At times, you have to let the storm pass by, and just lay low. Don’t try to brave the storm, but don’t give up either. Think with your head, but do not stop following your heart. The important thing is to learn to accept, because not everything is in your control.Circumstances change, people change. Nothing is constant.
You don’t need to be honest with anyone, but yourself. Define your own philosophy, values and principles – and live by them, without bothering or being worried about what others think, because we tend to be judgmental when it comes to others. We have our own perspectives, which are hard to change. Nobody is perfect. We are human, and make mistakes. We are not completely rational, or think only with the mind; we are largely ruled by our emotions. And while true happiness will always lie within, our emotions, feelings and consequently our behaviors are largely influenced and controlled by others – our near and dear ones. Do your part, on the responsibilities towards the family and society, work – because that is the role were chosen to play.
The only person who will be with you all your life, is you, and, you have to take care of yourself.

Ganesha Wishes 2017

As Lord Ganesha comes home today, he brings along, good health and happiness (sukh), peace (shaanti) , prosperity (samriddhi) and wealth (sampada) for you, your family and your loved ones.

Let’s pray to the Lord for blessing us with righteousness (Sadbuddhi), right wisdom (Sadgyaan) and the courage to walk the righteous path (Sanmarg).

Thank You Lord Ganesha

Ganpati Bappa, Moriya

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi,