SANJAY PANDITA
“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne
In the ceaseless rhythm of life, happiness stands as an enigmatic beacon, its allure tempting souls across generations to embark on a quest of profound significance. It is a concept as ancient as the stories etched in the annals of human history, an intangible yet coveted state of being. Countless individuals have ventured forth, their hearts brimming with the desire to unravel the mysteries of happiness, to uncover the elusive source of joy that resides within.
For some, this quest unfolds in the shimmering mirage of material wealth, as they believe happiness can be acquired through possessions and opulence. Others place their trust in the warmth of relationships, seeking solace and contentment in the bonds they forge with fellow travelers on this journey of life. There are those who ascend to the intoxicating heights of status and recognition, their pursuit driven by the applause of the world.
Yet, in the midst of these varied pursuits, a profound truth beckons, one articulated by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” This central question we face is whether happiness is a choice, a conscious decision, and if so, where within our beings can we unearth this wellspring of joy? As we delve deeper into this exploration, it becomes evident that the path to happiness is not an external odyssey but a journey inward, where the self discovers its truest form.
Many among us have been conditioned to believe that happiness can be acquired from the outside, through the acquisition of products, the accumulation of wealth, or the attainment of a certain social status. We are inundated with advertisements and societal norms that promise joy in these external markers of success. The allure is tantalizing, and it is only natural for us to be drawn towards these glittering mirages. However, the ephemeral nature of external happiness becomes starkly apparent once we achieve these goals.
As the words of Leo Tolstoy echo through the corridors of time, “Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.” The new car, the grand house, or the prestigious job may indeed provide a fleeting sense of satisfaction, but it often evaporates as quickly as a passing breeze, leaving us yearning for more. This perpetual cycle perpetuates the illusion that external factors alone can bestow enduring happiness.
Many of us have been conditioned to believe that happiness is something we can acquire externally. We are inundated with advertisements that promise joy through the purchase of products, the pursuit of wealth, or the attainment of a certain social status. These external markers of success are tantalizing, and it is natural for us to be drawn to them. However, the fleeting nature of external happiness becomes evident once we achieve these goals. In the words of Leo Tolstoy, “Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.” The new car, the big house, or the prestigious job may provide temporary satisfaction, but it often evaporates quickly, leaving us craving for more. This cycle perpetuates the illusion that external factors can bring lasting happiness.
If external factors alone cannot guarantee happiness, then what can? The answer lies in our perception and reaction to these external stimuli. The same event or circumstance can elicit vastly different emotional responses from different individuals. For example, consider the loss of a job. For one person, it may be a devastating blow to their self-esteem and happiness, while for another, it may be viewed as an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to explore new possibilities. The external event remains the same, but the internal response varies significantly. This highlights the profound influence our mindset has on our happiness.
Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and renowned psychiatrist, famously said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” This profound insight underscores the idea that even in the most dire circumstances, we have the power to choose our attitude and, by extension, our happiness.
To truly understand and harness the power of this choice, we must embark on an inner journey. This journey is not about acquiring external possessions or accolades but about delving deep into our own psyche. It is a path of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-transcendence. The ego, that ever-chattering inner voice that often seeks validation from external sources, must be tamed. It is the ego that clings to the illusion that happiness can be found in the external world..
True happiness is a spiritual quest and comes from the expansion of consciousness.we must expand heart and mind until we break the chains of ego .
As Hermann Hesse wrote in “Siddhartha,” “Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” Our inner nature, often buried beneath layers of conditioning and societal expectations, is the source of genuine happiness. It is the place where our authentic self resides, free from the demands of ego and the pursuit of external validation. To unite with our inner nature is to acknowledge our inherent worthiness and find contentment in the present moment.
In the end, happiness is not a fleeting prize to be pursued in the external world but a steadfast state of mind. It is a choice, a conscious decision to react to life’s challenges with grace and acceptance. True happiness is not found in the accumulation of material wealth, nor in the approval of others, but within the sanctuary of our souls.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once again reminds us, “For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” To be happy is to unite with our inner nature, to silence the clamor of the ego, and to embrace life’s ebb and flow with equanimity.
As we conclude our exploration into the essence of happiness, we must remember that its pursuit is not an external journey but a voyage into the depths of our being. The message resounding through the ages is clear: happiness is not something we find; it is something we become. It is in this transformation of the self that we discover the true essence of happiness, a treasure hidden in plain sight, awaiting our choice to uncover its radiant splendor.
In our world filled with external distractions and endless desires, let us not forget that the truest happiness lies within ourselves, patiently waiting for us to embrace it. So, let us choose happiness, let us journey within, and let us unite with our inner nature, for in that union, we shall find the enduring joy that we seek.
The author can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
