That which appears to be favorable to the mind and senses is deemed as happiness and that which appears to be unfavorable to the mind and senses is deemed as unhappiness. This is the definition and explanation of happiness and unhappiness that is commonly understood among most people.
We think that by getting food, clothing, house, car, property, land, knowledge, medicines and other things cheaply and in abundance we will become happy. But think through this more deeply – those that have these aforesaid things in great abundance, are they truly happy ? Not in the least bit, because with the increase of material abundance, their longing for it grows, and this longing for material things is the root cause of unhappiness.
In the Bhagavad Gita, when Arjun asked God about the root cause of sin leading to sorrow and unhappiness, God responded that it is “desire” (craving, longing) which is the main reason why one commits sins. The real reason for unhappiness is only desire (craving, longing). Wherever you see people who are unhappy whether it be in prison, in hell, on anywhere, if you investigate the reason they are in their current state, you will conclude that either they had some desire and craving for something in the past or in the present they are longing for something that they do not have. By desiring, one does not attain things. Even the world does not give to those who desire, rather they want to give forcefully, willingly and gladly to those who do not want anything.
In this world, if a person gets everything to his liking and as his mind desires, then too, he will not be satisfied. Rather his longing for more will continue to increase “jimi pratilaabh lob adhikaayi”. The reason for increased craving is that he is experiencing something lacking within himself, and as long as there lies this feeling within of some void, something missing, till that time how can there ever be happiness? Rather there will only be increasing unhappiness.
If you think about this deeply, then you will realize that happiness is not due to acquiring things, rather by attaining anyone or anything, the unhappiness resulting from craving or longing for more, further increases. (to be cont’d)
From “Saadhan, Sudhaa, Sindhu” in Hindi pg 520 by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Ram Ram
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Good article
I shall like to add couple of quotes
Amy Lowell:
Happiness: We rarely feel it.
I would buy it, beg it, steal it,
Pay in coins of dripping blood
For this one transcendent good.
You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.