Sukha is often confused with material gains. Real sukha must have shanti (peace) as its integral part, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
In Hindi, the word sukha is used very loosely, whereas in Sanskrit it has a special meaning. Sukha-suvidha in Hindi indicates comforts, facilities, and so on. The word ananda is lot closer to what sukha really is. This word comes from sat-chit-ananda — a Sanskrit description of a soul. Real sukha must have shanti (peace) as its integral part. Without shanti where is sukha, asks Lord Krishna. (Bhagavad Geeta 2.66) Subsequently, wherever this word has been used in the Geeta, it means this sukha, not sukha-suvidha used in Hindi.
In English, the word happiness is used for sukha, and the word happiness is defined as a feeling or showing pleasure; pleased. Here the emphasis is on pleasure like sense enjoyment. There is no reference to a peaceful state. Happiness index, calculated for different countries has housing, income, work, education, safety, etc. However, happiness is person specific. These factors are conducive for becoming peaceful but individuals have to still make personal efforts to be happy. This is where spirituality comes in, when we identify ourselves as souls, and act accordingly. A soul being part of God must connect with God and that is where peace comes from. The word peace is defined as a state of being calm. This is close but the real peace comes from a good connection with God, as explained in the same verse quoted above. Peace comes from faith in God and God consciousness as a result of it.
Without this knowledge, people get bemused and do not seek real sukha. It is no wonder that they do not get satisfaction and keep on looking for more of the same pleasures. This is because such pleasures are like insatiable fire; more one tries to satisfy the self more intense they become. There is another big problem with the false sense of sukha; people make big mistakes when enjoying that. Personally speaking, all my big mistakes were made when I was relatively sukhi in the conventional sense, when I felt that I could do no wrong, and could enjoy unlimitedly.
Lord Krishna has spoken about the real sukha in many verses of the Geeta. Happiness is a boon. In the state of peaceful enjoyment, all sufferings end soon, because the intelligence of such a person is firmly established. In a state of having real spiritually intelligence, one transcends the feeling of material suffering. (2.65)
The Lord speaks in great details about who can be happy. A self-controlled person, who is not too attached with the fruits of his karma lives happily. (5.13) A person, having consciousness unattached to external sense objects, enjoys that happiness within, which is extraordinary. He having consciousness linked to the Brahman, experiences eternal bliss. (5.21) Here the Lord has clarified that such sukha is unlimited and does not repel after sometime. One, who is capable of tolerating the urge caused by lust and anger prior to leaving the body, he is a true yogi; he is a happy person. (5.23) Beyond the senses, there is unlimited bliss, which can be experienced through the intelligence. (6.21)
God also clarifies about who cannot be happy. Bereft of real knowledge, a doubter who has no faith perishes. For the doubter, there is neither happiness in this world nor beyond. (4.40) Then, there is happiness in different modes, but they all bind. In the mode of goodness, this binds with knowledge and attachment for such happiness. In the mode of passion, one is bound to acts, that is, gets attached with them. In the mode of darkness, one is bound to carelessness, laziness and steep.
Therefore, it will be wise to seek the real sukha, and not chase after illusory sukha or happiness; one will have a high quality of life.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com