HAPPINESS: OTHER NAME FOR CONTENTMENT
A State of Mind
HAPPINESS is the cherished goal of every human being. But, it is a fact that the majority of people fail to achieve happiness. They begin their day with unhappiness and end it with unhappiness. It is a sad aspect of almost every human being. So, what is the solution to this widespread problem?
This phenomenon can be explained by applying the well-known formula: ‘It is in comparison that we understand’. Animals are also like human beings, but all animals live in happiness. The word “unhappiness” is not found in the dictionary of animals. What is the reason behind this difference? It is because animals always live in contentment. They are satisfied with whatever they get, be it more or less.
The secret of happiness is in contentment. If you are living in contentment, then you will be happy.
This phenomenon tells us that the secret of happiness is in contentment. If you are living in contentment, then you will be happy. But if you are discontent with what you have achieved, then you are bound to live in a state of unhappiness.
Studies show that there are two levels of achievement: one based on need and the second based on greed. As far as need is concerned, no one is deprived of it in this world. But, the pursuit of greed has no limit. No amount of achievement can satisfy one’s greed. It is this nature of man that makes him unhappy.
Everyone should be very practical in this matter. Every person must differentiate between the achievable and the unachievable. Fulfilling one’s need is achievable for anyone, but fulfilling greed is undoubtedly unachievable for everyone, even for a wealthy person possessing political power.
Trying to satiate one’s greed is an unlimited phenomenon, but those items after which one becomes greedy are limited. Man by nature is Mr Unlimited, but the world in which he lives is a limited world. It is this difference that leads to the phenomenon that is called unhappiness. Both happiness and unhappiness are states of the mind. If you are aware of this fact, you will easily be able to manage your ambitions and instantly achieve happiness. Happiness is an internal phenomenon, it is not an external achievement.
Man is searching for happiness outside of him in the external world, although happiness lies within him, in his state of mind.
Acharya Rajneesh was an Indian mystic guru. He wrote a book with the title, Kundalini Andar Base. This title is based on a story of the musk deer. When it smells the odour of its musk, it runs here and there in search of the source of the fragrance, although it is actually coming from within itself. The same is true regarding happiness. Man searches for happiness outside of him, although happiness is inside him. Following the above expression, one can say: ‘Happiness andar base’, or happiness dwells inside you.
Happiness is everyone’s greatest desire, but everyone fails to achieve happiness. Why is this so? Because, man is searching for it outside of him in the external world, although happiness lies in his inner world, that is, his state of mind. Make your state of mind healthy and you will certainly attain happiness.
Live like a honeybee. Extract what is
good for you and leave what is
unwanted for you.
Do not waste your time in
complaint and protest.