Unlocking Lasting Happiness

Dr. Deepti Gupta
March 20th is recognized as the International Day of Happiness, a day that celebrates the importance of happiness in our lives and promotes the idea that happiness is a fundamental human right. On this day, people around the world are encouraged to reflect on what makes them happy and to take actions that promote happiness in themselves and others.
Happiness is a subjective experience that can be influenced by many factors, such as our relationships, our health, our work, and our environment. However, there are some practices and behaviors that have been shown to promote happiness, such as practicing gratitude, cultivating positive relationships, engaging in activities that bring us joy, and taking care of our physical and mental health.
On this day, you might consider doing something that brings you joy, expressing gratitude to someone who has made a positive impact on your life, or reaching out to a friend or family member to offer support or kindness. You might also consider making a commitment to incorporating more happiness- promoting practices into your daily life, such as practicing mindfulness, spending time in nature, or volunteering in your community.
But today, being a Bhartiya let’s have an insight into what Vedic literature talks about happiness and how to imbibe its holistic view to enhance our life experiences.
Vedanta is a school of philosophy and spiritual tradition that originated in ancient India. It is based on Vedic literature, which is the world’s oldest repository of human knowledge. The word ‘Veda’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘vid’ which means ‘to know’. It is considered as apaurusheya, that is, the origin of the Vedas is not in the human mind. The Vedic hymns were revealed to the rishis (seers) of yore, who recorded them. It is thus also known as shruti, that which is heard directly. A rishi is a person who is mantradrashta, that is somebody who directly perceives the sacred mantras. Vedic literature was also oral in nature; it was committed to writing much later. In earlier times, it was transmitted from one generation to another by oral recitation.
There are four Vedas-Rik, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva. Each Veda further has Samhitas (the oldest part), Brahmanas (portion dealing with rituals), Aranyakas (part dealing with contemplation); and the Upanishads along with the number of mandalas, suktas, etc.; the different Vedic shakhas; and so on. The Upanishads, which constitute Vedanta, are the end portion, and the essence of the Vedas.
Vedanta has several sub-schools or branches, including Advaita Vedanta, Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, and Dvaita Vedanta, which differ in their interpretations of the nature of ultimate reality and the relationship between Atman and Brahman. Vedanta has had a profound influence on Indian thought and culture, and it continues to be an important philosophical and spiritual tradition even to this day.
So, it becomes more relevant for us to understand what the Vedic literature holds in relation to happiness.
In Vedanta, happiness is considered to be the natural state of the Self or Atman, which is the same as the ultimate reality of Brahman. According to Vedanta, all living beings seek happiness, but they often mistake temporary pleasures and objects for true happiness. This leads to attachment, suffering, and a cycle of birth and death.
Vedanta teaches that true happiness can only be found by realizing the nature of the Self, which is eternal, unchanging, and free from all limitations. This realization requires the removal of ignorance and the cultivation of knowledge, meditation, and devotion. By understanding that the true nature of the Self is pure consciousness, beyond all dualities and limitations, one can attain a state of inner peace and happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances.
Vedanta also emphasizes the importance of living a life of ethical conduct and service to others, which is known as Karma Yoga. By acting selflessly and without attachment to the fruits of one’s actions, one can purify the mind and cultivate a sense of inner peace and happiness.
Thus, happiness in Vedanta is a state of inner peace and contentment that is independent of external circumstances. This state of happiness is not dependent on anything outside of us, but it is a natural expression of our true nature as Atman.
Moreover, Vedanta as a philosophical and spiritual tradition provides insights and practices that can help individuals achieve lasting happiness. The pursuit of material wealth and pleasure can lead to temporary happiness, but it is ultimately unsatisfying and can lead to suffering. Vedanta emphasizes the cultivation of inner peace, contentment, and spiritual growth through practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion.
By linking the International Day of Happiness with Vedanta, we can recognize the importance of cultivating inner happiness and well-being as a fundamental human goal. Vedanta provides a framework for understanding the nature of happiness and how to achieve it, regardless of external circumstances. By practicing Vedanta teachings, individuals can learn to cultivate lasting happiness, which can benefit not only them but also their communities and the world at large.
Therefore, the International Day of Happiness can serve as an opportunity to explore the teachings of Vedanta and to apply them in our daily lives to achieve greater happiness and well-being.
(The author is Assistant Professor of Sociology in Government Degree College, Khour)