The Art of Happiness
Happiness is at times an elusive phenomena. In many ways we strive for greater happiness, but often the more we grasp, the more difficult it becomes. Yet, the great Saints and spiritual traditions suggest joy and happiness are an integral part of our real Self. If we can be discover our own highest self, happiness will become a spontaneous experience, independent of the fluctuations of the world. These are some suggestions for cultivating real happiness.
Minimise Desires
Quite often we feel that if certain desires can be fulfilled all our problems will be solved. For example, we may think that if only we can get a better job and bigger car, then we will be happy. However, usually when one desire is fulfilled it just creates new desires. Monetary gain can give temporary happiness, but it is no guarantee for permanent satisfaction. If we can minimise desires, we can learn to be cultivate happiness whatever happens in the outer world. Simplicity enables us to enjoy the moment, rather than always looking forward to a better tomorrow.
- Sri Chinmoy
Excerpt from Ten Thousand Flower-Flames, Part 5 by Sri Chinmoy.
Criticism
Happiness can never be found in world criticism. At times our criticism may be justified, but, if we are honest, our criticism does little to change other people and the world situation. If we spend time criticising others, our mind will be filled with negative thoughts. If we really value happiness we will not have time to be a negative critic. True, the world has teeming imperfections, but, if we really wish to be happy, we should begin by trying to improve ourselves. Quite often when we are criticising others, we are actually only highlighting our own faults.
Appreciation
Instead of looking at the faults of our friends, we should try to appreciate their good qualities. Others will definitely appreciate this generous attitude. People tend to respond in the way they are treated. If we treat others with respect they will subconsciously seek to reciprocate it. Appreciation of other's good qualities does not mean false flattery. Outwardly we may not say anything, but we will forgive and forget their mistakes, and always seek to bring out their good qualities; this is one of the most effective ways for cultivating happiness.
- Sri Chinmoy [1]
Look after the Body.
It is possible to be happy,whatever ails the body. However, we can make life easier if we seek to avoid unnecessary health complications. Keeping fit helps both the mind and body. Being active prevents boredom and stimulates the mind. Also, avoiding unnecessary intoxicants will similarly keep the mind and body in good shape. When we overindulge in stimulants such as alcohol and drugs, any fleeting pleasure is followed by pain and hangover. We should never feel our happiness depends on taking various chemical substances.
Be active.
Thomas Jefferson said the secret of his happiness was the fact he was both busy and maintained an inner poise.
If we have little focus and little to aim for, we tend to become self absorbed in small, petty problems. If we have alot to do, then we do not have time to be worried and annoyed by small things. An easy, carefree life is no guarantee of happiness.
Meditation
The aim of meditation is discover the real happiness within. Meditation is the art of silencing the mind, so that our Soul can come to the fore. When our mind is filled with countless thoughts it is difficult to experience any inner peace. At best our mind gives only a fleeting happiness. Meditation expands our consciousness so we are not limited by the thoughts of the mind. It is meditation that enables us to live in the soul.
Sri Chinmoy, [3]
[1] The Goal is Won, Sri Chinmoy
[2] Thomas Jefferson Selected quotes
[3] Sri Chinmoy, The Wings of Joy
Minimise Desires
Quite often we feel that if certain desires can be fulfilled all our problems will be solved. For example, we may think that if only we can get a better job and bigger car, then we will be happy. However, usually when one desire is fulfilled it just creates new desires. Monetary gain can give temporary happiness, but it is no guarantee for permanent satisfaction. If we can minimise desires, we can learn to be cultivate happiness whatever happens in the outer world. Simplicity enables us to enjoy the moment, rather than always looking forward to a better tomorrow.
Man's sincere desire:
Grasp, possess and enjoy quickly.
The soul's sincere desire:
Aspire, offer and enjoy eternally.
- Sri Chinmoy
Excerpt from Ten Thousand Flower-Flames, Part 5 by Sri Chinmoy.
Criticism
Happiness can never be found in world criticism. At times our criticism may be justified, but, if we are honest, our criticism does little to change other people and the world situation. If we spend time criticising others, our mind will be filled with negative thoughts. If we really value happiness we will not have time to be a negative critic. True, the world has teeming imperfections, but, if we really wish to be happy, we should begin by trying to improve ourselves. Quite often when we are criticising others, we are actually only highlighting our own faults.
Appreciation
Instead of looking at the faults of our friends, we should try to appreciate their good qualities. Others will definitely appreciate this generous attitude. People tend to respond in the way they are treated. If we treat others with respect they will subconsciously seek to reciprocate it. Appreciation of other's good qualities does not mean false flattery. Outwardly we may not say anything, but we will forgive and forget their mistakes, and always seek to bring out their good qualities; this is one of the most effective ways for cultivating happiness.
Judge nothing
You will be happy.
Forgive everything
You will be happier.
Love everything
You will be the happiest.
You will be happy.
Forgive everything
You will be happier.
Love everything
You will be the happiest.
- Sri Chinmoy [1]
Look after the Body.
It is possible to be happy,whatever ails the body. However, we can make life easier if we seek to avoid unnecessary health complications. Keeping fit helps both the mind and body. Being active prevents boredom and stimulates the mind. Also, avoiding unnecessary intoxicants will similarly keep the mind and body in good shape. When we overindulge in stimulants such as alcohol and drugs, any fleeting pleasure is followed by pain and hangover. We should never feel our happiness depends on taking various chemical substances.
Be active.
Thomas Jefferson said the secret of his happiness was the fact he was both busy and maintained an inner poise.
" It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquillity and occupation which give happiness. "
[2]If we have little focus and little to aim for, we tend to become self absorbed in small, petty problems. If we have alot to do, then we do not have time to be worried and annoyed by small things. An easy, carefree life is no guarantee of happiness.
Meditation
The aim of meditation is discover the real happiness within. Meditation is the art of silencing the mind, so that our Soul can come to the fore. When our mind is filled with countless thoughts it is difficult to experience any inner peace. At best our mind gives only a fleeting happiness. Meditation expands our consciousness so we are not limited by the thoughts of the mind. It is meditation that enables us to live in the soul.
"True inner joy is self-created.
It does not depend on outer circumstances
Or outer achievements."
It does not depend on outer circumstances
Or outer achievements."
Sri Chinmoy, [3]
[1] The Goal is Won, Sri Chinmoy
[2] Thomas Jefferson Selected quotes
[3] Sri Chinmoy, The Wings of Joy
Labels: happiness
1 Comments:
Thank you for sharing these great tips with the Carnival of Healing. The carnival will be up at my blog shortly.
Warmly,
Hueina
Intensive Care for the Nurturer's Soul
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