Happiness
With compliments of Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre

This is the art of living, the aim and object of our existence. Without happiness, life is dry and meaningless. With happiness, life immediately becomes fulfilled and wonderful. Happy people keep themselves happy because they know how they tick, they know the little ways to appreciate themselves and to see the humour and magic in each moment. Those people who are a bit heavy, who take life too seriously, may lose their happiness also.

When we wonder what we are doing sometimes, what we are pursuing or searching for, it is helpful to just ask, "Well, will this bring me happiness?" Because the ultimate search of all human beings, the ultimate goal in life is to be happy. We purse this goal in all manner of ways, whether it be through leisure, careers, wealth, relationships or whatever the means, the tendency of the soul is towards being happy.

Another good question to ask is "Why do we lose our happiness?" What makes us take the wrong path and lose our inner state of buoyancy? When we pursue limited, superficial or false goals, it is very easy to lose happiness. Firstly, because we are not being true to the self, and secondly, because we may build up false expectations that are not met through our goals and activities. Similarly, we expect happiness to come from the outside, from relationships, from food, from possessions, from travel. Yes, these are forms of happiness, however limited, yet they are only temporary.

The soul is innately happy and in its most powerful state has a good stock of happiness-We spend the power of happiness in much the same way that we spend other thins, whether it be time, energy or money. We lose happiness when we contravene the spiritual and natural laws.

The repercussions of anger, attachment, greed, ego and desire are that we lose our peace and happiness. The more that we are driven by these forces, then the more we will spend the stock of happiness.

How is it possible to increase the stock of happiness? Firstly, be true to the self, know the self and be the self. Then understand what brings happiness to one's self, it is positive thinking, it is working and fulfilling worldly responsibilities, it is doing something creative? Once we have understood the happiness that comes from within and as a result of the manner in which we conduct ourselves and our lives, then it is possible to understand how to share that happiness with others. Benefiting the self on a spiritual level will definitely bring internal happiness, resolving past karma, mending broken relationships, making amends for the past - living according to the divine laws of karma - these all bring a measure of self respect and happiness.

Seeing the best in ourselves and in others is also a form of happiness. Good wishes and pleasant feelings towards other people gives them the life of happiness, but we need to feel these feelings of ourselves first. Then we can share what we have and give this to others. Increasing the happiness of others brings happiness to the self, but this cannot be an escape - that is, it is not a substitute for creating internal happiness. People with a naturally happy disposition are sunny and pleasant to be around. They will attract others with their positive attitude and uplift the mood of anybody who is feeling a bit low. In the same way, the genuine laughter that comes from true happiness is infectious and brings happiness to all.

Just remember, don't worry, by happy!