All saints and Gurus tell us that happiness is within us. It is
difficult to find happiness within us but it is impossible to find happiness
outside. This seems like a paradox but it is true. All our lives are aimed and
geared at finding happiness outside. Through our efforts we get happiness. But
it is for a short period of time and again we are unhappy.
People generally feel that money, power and fame are the main
indicators of happiness. It is true that wealth, power and fame can give a
level of satisfaction for a short period of
time. But if the statement was wholly true then all those who possess the same
should be gloriously happy. We know that it is not so.
All our physical and mental efforts, our time and money, our
relationships are aimed at attaining happiness. We seem to be chasing it
endlessly. We keep on accumulating more and more objects of the world. These give us satisfaction for some time.
Then again we lose our happiness and we start another cycle of efforts,
exertion and accumulation.
When are we going to realise that happiness is not inherent in
those objects? Do objects possess the inherent ability to give us happiness?
Does a piece of chicken give the same pleasure of eating to all people? Do
people feel differences while tasting and eating the same mango? Do the chicken
and mango possess inbuilt qualities which give the same happiness to all? Would
an illiterate man in a village without electricity be happy if presented with
the latest laptop? Would a balloon give the same happiness to a child and an
adult?
We need to think just a little. Does the ownership of
that particular object – e.g – a car, give every person the same amount of
happiness? Does every person who comes in contact with a object feel the same
sense of satisfaction and contentment? Even for a same person, does he have
sustained happiness with that object over a period of time? No. It is not so.
We can realise this truth when we think about it. Most of us are actually aware
of the truth. Then why do we still chase happiness outside us and in objects?
The answer is that we don’t know that happiness is within us. Even
if we have heard about it or read about it or have finally reached that
conclusion, we do not know how to go within us and find happiness. Every religion
teaches us we must go within ourselves.
For the source of happiness is the spark of God within us – our Soul. God is Bliss. The nature of the Soul is bliss. This bliss when uncovered shines
brightly and keeps us happy at all times.
This is where a ParamGuru helps the seekers. When we have a ParamGuru and practise mantra
japa and meditation, we go within ourselves and watch our mind and thoughts. We
shift from looking outwards to inwards. The vibrations of the Guru Mantra cleanse and
clear the dross within us and we can see the patterns of thoughts and our
reactions. When our understanding of inner working increases it becomes easy to
let go of the layers of ignorance which envelop the Soul and see the light of
the Soul and experience the bliss within at all times.
Those who do not have a Guru learn to look within yourselves and
observe your thoughts. You will see and
understand the patterns of thoughts emerging. You will get the knowledge of
what to hold on and what to let go. When your desire for God and Truth becomes
strong, your Guru will come to you and guide you
further. Remember that only the internal
happiness is permanent. For it belong to the Soul and the Soul is a spark of
God, who is Eternal. This truth will give you strength to go
within and help yourselves.
