Don’t Pursue Happiness

The only happiness there is, is of the Self. That is the truth. There is no happiness in worldly objects. Because of our ignorance we imagine we derive happiness from them.

– Ramana Maharshi

 

Everyone wants to be happy.  This seems to be a basic truth.  At the same time we seem to be very bad at making it happen.  Happiness seems to be very fleeting and illusive.  We project this concept of happiness onto “objects:” commodities, relationships, “vacation getaways,” sexual experiences, real estate, career success, children and family, escape from children and family . . .  This list could go on and on and might be a lot of fun.  The wisdom of experience tells us that what makes us happy one day may very well make us miserable on another. 

What is this “happiness” we seek?  Can it be found in a possession, another person, a degree, a job, location, community, pill or fast food meal?  Put this way most of us would say no.  On the other hand we go about our lives unconsciously seeking for satisfaction through any and all of these.  We are like “hungry ghosts.”  Hungry ghosts are beings within the Tibetan Buddhist view who live in a special kind of hell where they suffer from a hunger that can’t be satisfied. 

Any kind of happiness that we experience which is dependent on the objects and events of the world is bound to be temporary at best.  When we pursue happiness through material means we are bound to suffer.  We are seeking outside of ourselves for what we already are.  Happiness is an inner state of being, we mistakenly correlate it with the things and circumstances of our lives.  As we begin to awaken we realize that these are unnecessary.  Real happiness arises when we are connected with the Self.  It is not dependent on anything or anyone.