The Pursuit of Happiness: A Journey Within
Happiness - that elusive state we all chase, yet so often find slipping through our fingers. We manipulate our environment, chase after material possessions, and strive for perfect circumstances, all in the hope of capturing that fleeting sense of joy. But what if true happiness isn’t found in the external world at all? What if the key to lasting contentment lies within ourselves?
The Happiness Paradox
It’s a curious thing, happiness. We can’t simply will it into existence, yet we experience moments of pure joy that seem to arise spontaneously. We often confuse comfort with happiness, believing that if we just achieve the right level of physical ease or material success, we’ll finally be content. But how many of us have found ourselves comfortably unhappy, or conversely, joyful despite challenging circumstances?
This paradox points to a deeper truth: happiness is not merely a reaction to external stimuli. It’s something more profound, more intrinsic to our very nature.
The Inner Dimension of Joy
Ancient wisdom traditions, particularly those from India, have long asserted that true happiness springs from within. The Bhagavad Gita speaks of being “contented in the self by the self.” This isn’t just poetic language; it’s a profound insight into the nature of human consciousness.
When we experience happiness, what’s really happening? It’s as if a veil has been lifted, allowing us to momentarily glimpse our true nature. In those fleeting moments of joy, we touch upon a sense of boundlessness, of limitless potential. We feel whole, complete, and at peace with ourselves and the world around us.
The Misidentification of Self
This brings us to a revolutionary concept: what if our identification of “I” with the limited body and mind is actually a misidentification? We tend to equate ourselves with our physical form, our thoughts, and our emotions. But could this be a fundamental error in perception?
The line that demarcates ‘I’ from ’not I’ is where things become fascinatingly complex. Commonly, we consider that line to be our skin—the boundary of our physical body. This boundary defines where ‘I’ ends and ’not I’ begins:
The Body as ‘I’: If our body is tall, we say, “I am tall.” If it’s healthy, “I am healthy.” Our identity often becomes entwined with our physical attributes.
Intimate Relationship with the Body: Even though we recognize our body as an object, it feels more intimate than any external object. This relationship is stronger than that with other possessions, like a house, which we can call ‘ours’ but not ‘us.’
This fusion of self and body can create confusion and have a profound impact on our perception of self-worth and identity. It leads us to believe that when the body undergoes changes—aging, illness, or even death—‘I’ undergo those changes too. This misidentification is often a source of deep-seated unhappiness and anxiety.
Consider those moments of pure joy we’ve discussed earlier. In those instances, we transcend our usual sense of limitation. We feel expansive, unbounded, and deeply connected to something greater than our individual selves. What if this experience is actually a glimpse of our true nature?
The “I” Beyond Limitations
Building on this idea, let’s explore a profound question: what if our true self - the “I” we refer to when we speak of ourselves - is not limited by the boundaries we typically assume?
We habitually identify ourselves with our bodies, our thoughts, our emotions, and our personal histories. But what if these are merely objects of our consciousness, rather than our essential nature? What if our true self is the consciousness that perceives all these things?
This consciousness - the real “I” - is not bound by time or space. It doesn’t age, it doesn’t suffer, and it’s not limited by our perceived shortcomings. It is, in the words of ancient yogic philosophy, “Satchidananda” - pure existence, consciousness, and bliss.
Space and Time as Objects of Consciousness
A compelling aspect of this discussion is understanding space and time themselves as objects of consciousness. Space, inherently a concept within consciousness, does not possess awareness. It is perceived by consciousness but does not perceive in return. The same applies to time—an object within consciousness that can vanish, as observed during deep sleep or between fleeting thoughts.
This contemplation leads to a profound realization: consciousness is not bound by the parameters of space and time. It exists independent of these constructs, further solidifying its all-pervasive and limitless nature.
Realizing the Limitless Self
The implications of this understanding are profound. If our true nature is boundless consciousness, then happiness is not something we need to acquire or achieve. It’s our natural state, often obscured by our misidentification with the limited aspects of our experience.
Imagine for a moment that you are not just your body, your thoughts, or your personal story. Imagine that you are the vast, limitless awareness in which all these things appear. From this perspective, what is there to lack? What is there to fear? What could possibly diminish your intrinsic completeness?
The All-Pervasive Self
When we speak about the all-pervasiveness of consciousness, we touch upon a transformative insight: consciousness is not spatially limited. There is zero distance between consciousness and any object of conscious awareness. This understanding transcends our everyday experiences and presents a universal truth—consciousness encompasses all, without being confined by spatial boundaries.
This is not mere philosophical speculation. It’s an invitation to direct experience. Through practices like meditation, self-inquiry, and mindfulness, we can begin to shift our identity from the limited ego-self to this broader, more fundamental aspect of our being.
The Path to Lasting Joy
Understanding happiness in this way doesn’t mean we should ignore the external world or cease trying to improve our circumstances. Rather, it offers a more balanced approach to life. We can engage fully with the world around us while maintaining an unshakeable core of inner peace and contentment.
As we cultivate this deeper self-awareness, we may find that happiness arises more naturally and frequently in our lives. We become less dependent on external conditions and more attuned to the wellspring of joy within us.
In the end, the pursuit of happiness leads us not outward, but inward. It invites us to explore the vast, uncharted territory of our own consciousness. And in that exploration, we may discover that the happiness we’ve been seeking has been with us all along, waiting patiently for us to recognize it as our very own nature.
Path of Sanathana Dharma to Sahaja
Adharma to Dharma: Experiencing negative consequences of adharma, such as guilt and social disapproval, leads to an awareness of karma. Exposure to positive role models and self-reflection inspires a shift towards dharma. Learning about and understanding the long-term benefits of dharma, making incremental changes, experiencing positive reinforcement, and engaging in practices like meditation and devotion foster a commitment to righteous living.
Dharma to Karma Yoga: Beginning with a foundation in righteousness and cultivation of virtues, one recognizes the attachments formed by simply following dharma. The concept of karma yoga is introduced, emphasizing selfless action without attachment to results. Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, practice of mental equanimity, reduction of ego, and continued meditation and devotion support this transition.
Karma Yoga to Jnana: Through selfless service and maintaining equanimity, one develops inner awareness and introspection, leading to self-inquiry. Studying spiritual texts and seeking guidance from teachers deepens understanding. Regular meditation and contemplation foster non-attachment and inner freedom, culminating in the direct realization of self-knowledge and integration of this wisdom into daily life.