What is Happiness?

Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss.

Happiness is clearly fundamental in our lives. But we seem to spend most of our efforts pursuing it and all too little time actually experiencing it. And things seem to be getting worse in modern society. Apparently there is increasing scope for attaining happiness; possibly there is an increased demand and certainly there seems to be an increased expectancy.

People are persuaded, again by the media, that they have a right to this or that material possession and the supposed happiness that will accompany it. Swami Chinmayananda says,”The tragedy of human history is decreasing happiness in the midst of increasing comforts.”

Modern technology has brought us so much to make life easier and more enjoyable, yet it would seem that, if anything, people are more dissatisfied than ever. Why is this? What is happiness? What makes us happy or unhappy?

Realize that true happiness lies within you.

Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside.

Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving.

Reach out. 

Share. 

Smile. 

Hug.

Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself.