Eastern Secrets to Happiness
by The rat race is just an extension of the human ego, which wishes to deny merger with its greater self. Happiness is not in the mundane, but in the deep ocean of peace within. The waters of this ocean are free from desire and attachment. They are not ruled by the senses but are truly free like the waves upon which the dolphins play.
Is there a sure fixed way to achieving happiness in this life. What is happiness? Is it a satisfaction of mundane material desires or something more? Is religion the path to happiness? Is religion a fixed set of do’s and dont’s? Is not conforming with the current interpretation of thought a sin?
These and many more are questions I have often asked myself. What is the true meaning of life? What are we here for? Is there something beyond inner conflicts and the greed of the world?
For many years I too was a victim. A victim of trying to conform into someone I was not. I was expected to follow a predetermined path of conformance with a fixed set of ideas. Did it make me happy? I realized much later in my life that it did not.
What is our life if we are just prisoners of the senses? Is there a world beyond lust, anger, greed, attachment and pride? Is it possible to destroy the ego and realize the greater self.
Being of Indian background, I was exposed to the possibility of researching the spiritual texts of the land. These texts are often confused as being proponents of modern man-made religions. The spiritual writings of Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Sufism opened my eyes to a great new world of existence and a truer form of happiness that is beyond greed and constantly looking for opportunities to gratify an illusionary self. I am sure that these greater truths are hidden within all great world cultures and religions. They are just not exposed to us due to various layers of fanaticism and ignorance.
The mind they say is a human beings greatest gift. It is the entry point either to a world of pain and confusion, or to one of greater possibilities of knowledge and awareness. Conquer the mind and you will conquer yourself they say. One does not need great armies like Alexander to launch such a foray. Make your weapons that of humility and compassion. Let self-discipline and kindness be your armor. Let detachment be your form of affection to your lover. Let go of all desires, for nothing is permanent in this transient world…
Easier said then done.
How does one let go of desires in this competitive world where survival and peer pressure lets not one focus on the spiritual truth? How does one not feel anger when rightly provoked by the meanness of others? How can one feel compassion for others when constantly exposed to never ending news items of tribal, ethnic, national and religious conflict?
The eastern scriptures say the answers are in the following:
Seek a true teacher, a Guru
The Guru is not always physical but can also be divine writings of a greater soul who is no longer on this physical earth. Finding such an authentic teacher is very difficult and only attained by the fortunate few.
Meditation
Learn to calm the mind of its constant wanderings. Learn to recognize when your ego is under the control of base emotions like anger, pride, envy and hate. Learn to not be controlled by these enemies of the self and fill your heart with true love. Meditation is not a mere recitation of incantations like a parrot, but reflection on the divine unity that exists within all. There are many forms of active or passive mediation. All of them eventually lead to reflection on the underlying unity, which in some belief systems is classified as god himself.
Good deeds
Learn to differentiate between true sin and compassion. These may be different for each and every individual. Judge not others but only yourself. Speak the truth, but only of the good of others even when you know they are in fault. The only sin is in hurting or stealing from others. Hurting someone with words or physically all equate to such a sin. Sin is not about not conforming to limited religious interpretation, but of not feeling forgiveness or compassion to all whom we meet on our individual paths.
The scriptures say that even though these teachings are simple, they are very difficult to follow. Our attachment with pride and identity lead us to either fanaticism or a mundane empty existence. Either being a wasted life in which true happiness cannot be attained….
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Post CommentDr Shalini Kapoor Kad
On February 22, 2009 at 11:02 am
Good work
Christine Ramsay
On February 22, 2009 at 12:20 pm
A thought provoking article. Well written.
Christine
Darla Smith
On February 22, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Very informative. Thanks for sharing.
Amreen
On February 22, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Hi Vikram,
Sufism opened my eyes too. Really well written. I’m not copying your ideas or anything but I am going to translate a few Sufi texts soon hopefully. Anyways good artice.
Tate Morgan
On February 22, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I like this It tells of the strutle But w3e need not be a prozac nation to find happiness.One only needs to let o their own desires and look to the children of contentment
Suppee XX
On February 22, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Very interesting. The topics you explore are ones that I have also experienced, and at the end of the day, you have to throw your hands up and have great faith in yourself. Very good read.
Clay Hurtubise
On February 22, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Very nice, I’m onboard!
Thanks,
Clay
Maria Blazz
On February 22, 2009 at 3:15 pm
“I am sure that these greater truths are hidden within all great world cultures and religions. They are just not exposed to us due to layers of fanaticism and ignorance.” I completely agree with you. Very wise thoughts here.
nobert soloria bermosa
On February 22, 2009 at 3:44 pm
very interesting,good job
Raman
On February 22, 2009 at 3:56 pm
“The scriptures say that even though these teachings are simple, they are very difficult to follow.” – no kidding!!
Great read man.
Joni Keith
On February 22, 2009 at 4:07 pm
This is such a well written article with a wealth of information. I think our life on this earth is a spiritual journey to ultimately be the best that we can be. Every action we take should be in fulfillment of that goal. If less time were spent worrying about what others have or how they act, more energy could be spent on development of one’s self. Great work. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa Clayton Williams
On February 22, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Very interesting article! Thanks for sharing!
S Air
On February 22, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Great article.
2tet
On February 22, 2009 at 8:01 pm
There is intensity in writing… the coherence is highly foreseen…
2tet
On February 22, 2009 at 8:04 pm
There is intensity in writing… the coherence is highly foreseen…
LOVELYHONEY
On February 22, 2009 at 9:18 pm
creative, imaginative and very thoughtful.
each one has his own answer ofwhat is HAPPINESS
i dont know yet
lh
CHAN LEE PENG
On February 22, 2009 at 10:27 pm
I like the way you wrote this article, thanks.
K Kristie
On February 22, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Interesting and informative article.
denus
On February 22, 2009 at 11:22 pm
very informative, nice.
Kate Smedley
On February 23, 2009 at 1:35 am
This is an excellent and well written article Vikram.
Rana Sinha
On February 23, 2009 at 1:37 am
Very good article, Vikram. The value of compassion in the contemporary world to heal rifts and create greater understanding is immense.
All the best.
PR Mace
On February 23, 2009 at 2:14 am
Interesting, thought provoking article. Well done.
Ruby Hawk
On February 23, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I believe that if we listen to that little voice inside we will never go wrong. I am not religious and I don’t like dogma. Peace and love is within us if we are quiet and listen.
Bick Parker
On February 24, 2009 at 9:01 am
An enlightening article, well-written. I totally agree with you that we as humans should strive towards a better understanding of ourselves, and with a little commitment to enriching our very souls, each of us will pass on something special to the people we encounter within our lifetimes. The journey through life is a path which should be filled with joy and happiness at each and every turn-off, as each pathway leads to a greater understanding of humankind itself.
A tree is not a forest, it is the beginning of one.
Juhls
On February 24, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Brilliant piece.
Cassandra Antares
On February 24, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Judge not others but only yourself. Speak the truth, but only of the good of others even when you know they are in fault. The only sin is in hurting or stealing from others. Hurting someone with words or physically all equate to such a sin.
If the world could live like this, it would truly be a peaceful world,,
great article, truly great,,
Anne McNew
On February 24, 2009 at 8:55 pm
HI vikram, this is well written. thanks for sharing
Olivia Reason
On February 24, 2009 at 10:22 pm
You’re right in saying “that these greater truths are hidden within all great world cultures and religions”
I have found many similiarities between the teachings of Jesus and Buddha.
As a result, I have just begun exploring eastern philosophy more closely. So, I enjoyed this- it is timely for me. And I stumbled it.
vim3
On February 25, 2009 at 5:15 am
Really thought provoking. We get so caught up in the material life that we often lose touch with the spiritual.
Betty Carew
On February 25, 2009 at 6:05 am
I found as I aged that things likr Greed, Material things and such just fell away from me I am very happy to be rid of them,and now enjoy total freedom.Wonderful article
John McDonnell
On February 25, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I enjoyed this article — it was like a breath of fresh air. I recently started meditating again after many years, and I have so much more peace and tranquility in my life. It is so easy to get distracted by modern life, and to lose sight of the important, eternal truths that the great thinkers and holy people discovered yeas ago. Thank you for reminding us that there is another way.
T B Forshaw
On February 26, 2009 at 10:51 am
I enjoyed it, simply because of how relevant it is to my own, and many other people’s lives. Bravo sir, religion should be based on mutual compassion and understanding, not on narrow-minded, conformist laws.
Juliet Christie Murray
On February 26, 2009 at 10:15 pm
This is a very informational document. As you said it is hard to follow but if one wants true happiness and true meaning of life and self then it is worth reading more than once and then follow the instruction one at a time. Rome was not built in a day. Thank you for writing thisarticle.
miraj
On February 27, 2009 at 10:26 am
Tears fill the corner of my eye,as I watch the world slowly change because of you.Look how many souls you have attracted to listen to your chant.Isn’t it wonderful to feel that you are affecting the world around you.I know it does.For the inspiration that burns within you is harnessed from the own eternal,deathless Atma.You are right on track my friend,you have heard the sound of the shore just keep on marching and stop not till you reach your goal.You have realized the true essence of our being is to recognize Oneself,next in the path should be renunciation,renounce and see how even more beautiful the world becomes,slowly you’ll see in your final day on this mortal earth looking back at your lifetime you can proudly proclaim YOU HAVE LIVED.until that day my friend,until that day…
Walk in beauty change the world.
my deepest respect and gratitude,Vikram
LOVE IS ALL.
Mythili Kannan
On February 28, 2009 at 12:38 am
Food for thought Vikram… Wish it reaches all
gaby7
On February 28, 2009 at 7:22 am
Very good tips on happiness ideas
Sakuragi
On March 5, 2009 at 1:39 am
Although I have a different opinion on how to attain happiness, this was a good read. Excellent piece!
Denise Kawaii
On March 8, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Very intersting indeed. What I have come to realize is that it isn’t neccissarily the religion or belief that makes us happy – it is taking the time to really take a look at our minds and hearts and choosing the path that is right for us. Contentment soon follows.
Farhan Noorani
On March 12, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Nicely done!
WriteEditSeek
On September 25, 2009 at 2:33 am
This is a beautiful piece of writing. I love your way of thinking. I have been passionately interested in religions all of my life. I find that the truths contained in Eastern philosophies resonate for me much more than Western ideas. Though, however, I’ve discovered that the mystical traditions of all religions are very similar and speak of non-attachment and non-individuation.
writing4angels
On October 14, 2009 at 6:31 am
Vikram you have pointed towards the true essence of life!
lillyrose
On October 22, 2009 at 11:57 am
Vikram, that has really made me stop and think about how I portray my life, its not always good. The last paragraph about sin, well you told it a completely different way to the way I normally think of sin and I am happy that according to you I don’t. I always try to think of others other than myself and I don’t judge, when so many around me seem shallow. You are a very clever and wise man, its so good to have met you.x
Jane Jane
On October 23, 2009 at 8:47 am
good tips to offer and well said. though we don’t have the guru in here.
XXElleXX
On April 30, 2010 at 4:07 pm
An inward journey can promote healing and a sense of connection with all life. I would like to be able to experience that feeling of wholeness .. explore mystical and spiritual realms ~ loved this write Vikram