Blog Series: Happiness, 03
In the pursuit of happiness, individuals often find themselves at a crossroads between worldly achievements and spiritual fulfillment. The allure of success, defined by material wealth, professional accomplishments, and societal status, offers a tangible, immediate sense of satisfaction. Contrastingly, spiritual happiness, rooted in inner peace and enlightenment, provides a deeper, more enduring state of joy that transcends the physical confines of the material world. This blog explores the differences between these two paths to happiness, providing insights into how they affect our lives and well-being.
The Nature of Worldly Happiness
Worldly happiness is primarily external and often measured by societal benchmarks: income, job titles, property, and the various luxuries one can afford. This form of happiness is inherently transient because it relies heavily on circumstances, conditions, and external validations.
● Conditional: Worldly success brings conditional happiness, depending on continuous achievement and recognition. This dependency creates a precarious balance where life’s inevitable ups and downs can easily disrupt one’s happiness.
● Comparative: It often involves a comparative metric, where one’s achievements and accumulations are weighed against those of others. This comparison can lead to a never-ending cycle of desire and dissatisfaction, as there will always be something more to achieve or someone better off. Internal contentment is hard to reach because of a moving target of success and achievement.
● Diminishing Returns: The joy of new achievements or possessions often diminishes over time. Psychologists refer to this as ‘hedonic adaptation,’ where individuals quickly return to a baseline level of happiness despite significant positive changes in their lives.
● The Beauty of Worldly Success: Not all is lost in worldly success; it is not just about possessions and recognition. The fulfillment that comes from our ability to help others from the accumulated wealth, supporting talented but poor children to realize their dreams, and providing medicine to the sick is transient and comparative but selfless and inspiring deeds stay with you for a long time. Such fulfillment is gratifying internally. Similarly, success achieved through hard work and perseverance has no bounds and is immensely satisfying.
Happiness in Spirituality
Spiritual happiness is derived from within and is less influenced by external circumstances. A profound state of being arises from a deep understanding and realization of one’s true nature, often pursued through practices like meditation, self-inquiry, and contemplation.
● Unconditional: Spiritual happiness is not contingent upon external conditions. It emerges from realizing one’s inner self and understanding a deeper connection with the universe. This form of joy is stable and enduring, unaffected by the fluctuations of life’s external conditions.
● Inclusive: Unlike the competitive nature of worldly achievements, spiritual happiness is inclusive and can expand to include others’ joy. It fosters a sense of oneness and connectedness with all beings, enhancing one’s empathy and compassion.
● Sustainable and Growing: Spiritual joy does not diminish with time. Instead, it deepens and grows as one advances on the spiritual path. The more one learns to disconnect from temporary, external sources of happiness and delve into inner peace, the greater the sense of lasting contentment.
● Spiritual Practice is not Easy: Spiritual practice starts with faith and devotion. We all realize its value over time. Fortunately, few understand the value of inner peace from a young age. But most of us come to a spiritual path once we have realized the temporary nature of worldly success, which also brings stress, anxiety, and frustration as the byproduct. Secondly, spiritual wisdom is gained through years of self-study and deep contemplation, followed by daily practice of a chosen spiritual path and non-attachment to worldly objects.
Integrating Worldly and Spiritual Happiness
While these two forms of happiness can seem at odds, they do not have to be mutually exclusive. A balanced approach can lead individuals to enjoy the fruits of their earthly endeavors while cultivating an inner reservoir of spiritual joy.
● Mindful Achievement: Engaging in worldly pursuits with mindfulness and a sense of
● detachment can help prevent the traps of conditional happiness. By focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, individuals can find joy in the act of doing, regardless of the result.
● Purpose-Driven Success: Aligning one’s professional and personal goals with deeper spiritual values can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment that purely material goals cannot. This approach ensures that one’s achievements contribute not only to personal success but also to the well-being of others, creating a more holistic form of happiness.
● Spiritual Practices in Daily Life: Incorporating spiritual practices encouraged by Sri Ashish, such as self-inquiry and sitting in silence, can help maintain a connection to a deeper source of joy amidst pursuing worldly goals.