MANTHAN (मंथन)

The desire to be happy is rooted so deeply in all humans. But it remains to be really understood what is happiness and what makes us happy ?

Daaji quotes Babuji – A truly happy ;person is one who remains happy under all circumstances.

This is possible only if the happiness is unconditional.i.e. to be happy under all circumstances involves finding happiness within oneself, without relying on external conditions.

It is also evident that happiness is not dependent upon the things that we possessor the successes that we accumulate. Many feel unhappy despite chasing their desires and fulfilling an ever-increasing number of them. So, our attachment to and constant focus on what we desire increases the stress. We become anxious that we won’t achieve what we desire. And when we finally achieve what we desire, our happiness remains short-lived as we set another goal to achieve yet another desire. Thus Desire always leaves us wanting for more.

How to come out of this vicious cycle ? Daaji gives reference of a श्लोक from the Bhagvadgita.

आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं
समुद्रमापः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत् ॥
तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे
स शान्तिमाप्नोति न कामकामी ॥ २.७० ॥

Just as the ocean remains undisturbed by the incessant flow of river waters merging into it, likewise the sage – who is unmoved despite the flow of all desirable objects all around him – attains peace, and not the person who strives to satisfy desires.

Since desires motivate us to do better and also help others – the advice of not having any desires appears impractical or paradoxical. With each success in fulfilling the desire, we seem to be seeding discontent in our hearts and as a result, happiness is harder to achieve. So, cultivating a joyful and contented heart is a better route to happiness. As we foster gratitude within ourselves and in our relationships, this leads to internal peace and acceptance, even when there is external chaos. This will make our lives joyful.