Identify yourself as an eternal soul, not as a perishable body, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
This is exactly what most of us do. If this will materialise, then I will be happy, or if this does not happen, then I will be happy. For example, someone wants a son, which is not exactly in his hands. He remains unhappy till that happens, if at all. Similarly, someone does not want a daughter, and is very apprehensive that the next child will be a daughter only. The sad fact is that even if we have our desires or conditions fulfilled, we have already put new conditions on our happiness. WhyIJ Because we are habituated to do that. Therefore, it is not surprising that only very few people are genuinely happy.
How does one get out of this sorry habitIJ Obviously, we need to tell ourselves not to make our happiness conditional on anything, I mean anything. It is not wise to do so. No matter how important we feel something is or how valuable we consider something is, it cannot be greater than happiness. We, souls, are sat, chit and anand. As such, we should identify ourselves as eternal souls and not as perishable bodies; our consciousness should not be narrowed down to our bodies, families, business, etc. Ourchit part should ideally cover the whole universe. And we should be naturally happy, some inevitable disturbances notwithstanding. Unless we resolve to do so, we will continue to be unhappy and our precious human lives will be wasted.
However, what is being suggested is said easier than done. We have to widen our vision greatly. To understand this, let us take an example of a glass. If it is a small glass, it will fill up soon, ie by maybe one of our problems, which we consider vital for our happiness. But if our glass is very big, ideally as large as the universe, then our desires or problems will never be able to fill it; they will remain insignificant.
Coming down to the practical application of what has been stated above, there are innumerable sources of happiness which we can tap. I am mentioning a few important and general ones, some of which all of us can tap. There are six main opulences: Beauty, fame, knowledge, power, renunciation and wealth. Some of us may be blessed with one or more of them, which should be a ready source of happiness. For example, someone is highly knowledgeable, he or she should feel great satisfaction, no matter what transpires.
Then, there are 10 senses provided to us by God. These can be or should be able to provide us great deal of happiness. Beginning with the eyes, we should identify what pleases us when we see that. It could be as simple as natural scenery. Next is what we will like to eat. These are also called comfort foods. let us keep in mind what makes us happy when we listen to that or where we feel relaxed or comfortable or what smells heavenly.
Taking up the balance five senses, pleasures of the genitals need no emphasis as long as they are not against dharma. Our hands can be highly creative/useful. Our legs can take us to places we love to visit. We can talk to a friendly person to our heart’s content, and to have regular bowel movement.
lastly comes the mind, which holds the key to our happiness. The mind is the leader of our senses. If they are satisfied, the mind is likely to be likewise. However, the satisfaction of the mind is much more than that; it must be connected to God. Without which there is no peace and without peace of mind, there cannot be any happiness. (Bhagavad Gita 2.66) Being parts of God (15.7), God is much pleased when we are happy. God is like our father. Which father will like to see his children unhappyIJ God is ever eager to see us happy and is ready to help if we connect with him.
Are we now sworn to be happy irrespective of what happens in our livesIJ If the answer is yes, believe me, we will be happy; adverse circumstances, problems can dent it temporarily only.
I welcome your comments.Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com