Cultivating Inner Peace and True Happiness

"Happiness depends on inner peace, which depends on warm hardheartedness" – The 14th Dalai Lama.

People have always sought happiness and desired to live with it. At times, we all find ourselves in a pursuit of happiness, as if we are participating in a race. Many individuals often forget the pursuit of happiness amidst the fast-paced nature of life. Happiness has been defined in various ways. However, happiness can be defined as an emotional state that is marked by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment.

Happiness is generally understood as a subjective concept, meaning that one person's happiness may differ from that of others. Often, we tend to view happiness as something we will attain in the future rather than experiencing it in the present. People naturally establish benchmarks for happiness and engage in comparisons with others. Happiness does not necessarily require significant accomplishments; it can be cultivated within oneself. When you cultivate happiness within yourself, no external party can destroy it. The concept of happiness, as identified by the great Buddhist philosophy, suggests that true happiness is attained when an individual can perceive the genuine nature of reality, free from the mental constructs we impose upon it.

Our thoughts possess immense power, making them one of our greatest assets. Our happiness is influenced by our thoughts and state of mind. The ultimate result of properly controlling our mind and thoughts is happiness. In Buddhism, happiness is attained by cultivating compassion and practicing mental tranquility. Non-attachment is a state of mind that brings about a peaceful bliss. According to Buddha's teachings, ultimate happiness is attained by cultivating a fully healthy state of mind, which is taught through the Eightfold Path.

01. The concept of Right View (or Right Understanding)

02. Right Intention (Right Thought)

03. Right Speech

04. Right Action

05. Right Livelihood (This is an important aspect of Buddhist teachings. It refers to the idea of engaging in a livelihood that is ethical and in alignment with one's values)

06. Right Effort (It refers to the diligent and skillful effort that one should put forth in order to cultivate positive)

07. Right Mindfulness

08. Right Concentration

However, this perspective differs from the prevailing societal norms that equate happiness with the accumulation of wealth, possessions, titles, and other materialistic pursuits. While material possessions and attachments to people can bring temporary happiness, they are subject to change over time. The Buddhist philosophy explores the concept of bridging the gap between people's expectations and the reality they experience, which is an ongoing conflict in the world.

Meditation is a practice that can help individuals control negative thoughts such as anger and jealousy in their daily lives. These negative thoughts have the potential to destroy our happiness. Furthermore, from a psychological perspective, it is observed that meditation leads to an increase in the production of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Simultaneously, the levels of fear and stress chemicals, like cortisol, decrease significantly. Over time, this can help you experience increased happiness and reduced stress levels. Studies conducted by neuroscientists have demonstrated that engaging in regular meditation can result in the thickening of certain key areas of the brain. This thickening, in turn, enhances an individual's capacity to effectively handle uncomfortable, challenging, and stressful situations that arise in life.

Finally, I would like to share with you a verse from the noble Buddhist text, "Dhammapada":

“Arogyaparama labha

santutthiparamam dhanam

vissasaparama1 nati

nibbanam paramam sukham” 

(Dhammapada - Verse 204 Pasenadikosala Vatthu)

The literal interpretation of the verse is that;

 "Health is the most valuable gift.

The greatest wealth is happiness.

Trust is the greatest relative

Nirvana is considered to be the ultimate state of bliss"