At the end of an episode of Neeya Nana (Vijay TV, Sept 30, 2012), after a long discussion where participants shared their various experiences and perspectives on “happiness,” the three invited guests offered their final thoughts. The host, Gopinath, guided the conversation with probing questions: What is happiness? What does happiness mean to you? What has been the happiest moment of your life? What happiness do you long for? At what point do you become irritated when your happiness is disturbed? How does that irritation manifest itself?
To summarize Manushyaputran’s view on happiness in a single sentence: we should not attempt to define happiness or make it our goal. According to Fr. Jagat, his happiness is solely determined by him, and he does not allow others to influence or disturb it. Dr. Mohan (I believe that was the name of the third guest) suggested that we should cultivate the art of sharing rather than “grabbing,” and through that, happiness becomes attainable. Of course, it’s difficult to arrive at a definitive, universal solution to such a fundamental human issue within the constraints of a short program.
For me, any human issue related to personal choice and preference (such as happiness, taste, hobbies, entertainment, etc.) is primarily guided by the principle that “man is a social animal.” While the final authority rests with us, we cannot completely ignore the presence of others in our lives. To a certain extent, I agree with Fr. Jagat that I have the power and choice to decide my happiness. However, as Manushyaputran noted, the outcome isn’t entirely up to me—others can indeed disturb my happiness.
No human being is an island. Perhaps an insane person could “be an island,” but I’m not certain, as I have no experience living with or studying them. One thing I can confidently say is that when I claim I won’t allow another person to influence my happiness, that person is already a part of my life, whether I’ve consciously allowed them in or not. I can’t prevent someone from being in my life entirely. Once I’ve decided not to let someone influence my choices, I’ve already allowed them to have some say over whether I allow them in or not. As the saying goes, “We have the right to choose, but we don’t have the right to choose the consequences of our choices.” While we can control whether we allow others to influence us, the consequences of those decisions are beyond our control.
So, how do I determine my happiness? Let me share from my experience. I enjoy living alone without anyone around me. As I have the privilege of living in a remote place in my ashram, I relish the silence and solitude that surrounds me. However, when someone visits and stays for a few hours or days, I shift my focus on happiness. Instead of viewing the presence of another person as a disturbance to my solitary life, I change my perspective and find happiness in serving them. Now, serving others—and allowing them to serve me—is my happiness. I don’t trap myself in a rigid agenda or goals. I adapt my source of happiness to the circumstances at hand. I use the current situation to derive the maximum happiness for both myself and others.
Dayanand Bharati
Gurukulam, October 1, 2012
At the end of an episode of Neeya Nana (Vijay TV, Sept 30, 2012), after a long discussion where participants shared their various experiences and perspectives on “happiness,” the three invited guests offered their final thoughts. The host, Gopinath, guided the conversation with probing questions: What is happiness? What does happiness mean to you? What has been the happiest moment of your life? What happiness do you long for? At what point do you become irritated when your happiness is disturbed? How does that irritation manifest itself?
To summarize Manushyaputran’s view on happiness in a single sentence: we should not attempt to define happiness or make it our goal. According to Fr. Jagat, his happiness is solely determined by him, and he does not allow others to influence or disturb it. Dr. Mohan (I believe that was the name of the third guest) suggested that we should cultivate the art of sharing rather than “grabbing,” and through that, happiness becomes attainable. Of course, it’s difficult to arrive at a definitive, universal solution to such a fundamental human issue within the constraints of a short program.
For me, any human issue related to personal choice and preference (such as happiness, taste, hobbies, entertainment, etc.) is primarily guided by the principle that “man is a social animal.” While the final authority rests with us, we cannot completely ignore the presence of others in our lives. To a certain extent, I agree with Fr. Jagat that I have the power and choice to decide my happiness. However, as Manushyaputran noted, the outcome isn’t entirely up to me—others can indeed disturb my happiness.
No human being is an island. Perhaps an insane person could “be an island,” but I’m not certain, as I have no experience living with or studying them. One thing I can confidently say is that when I claim I won’t allow another person to influence my happiness, that person is already a part of my life, whether I’ve consciously allowed them in or not. I can’t prevent someone from being in my life entirely. Once I’ve decided not to let someone influence my choices, I’ve already allowed them to have some say over whether I allow them in or not. As the saying goes, “We have the right to choose, but we don’t have the right to choose the consequences of our choices.” While we can control whether we allow others to influence us, the consequences of those decisions are beyond our control.
So, how do I determine my happiness? Let me share from my experience. I enjoy living alone without anyone around me. As I have the privilege of living in a remote place in my ashram, I relish the silence and solitude that surrounds me. However, when someone visits and stays for a few hours or days, I shift my focus on happiness. Instead of viewing the presence of another person as a disturbance to my solitary life, I change my perspective and find happiness in serving them. Now, serving others—and allowing them to serve me—is my happiness. I don’t trap myself in a rigid agenda or goals. I adapt my source of happiness to the circumstances at hand. I use the current situation to derive the maximum happiness for both myself and others.
Dayanand Bharati
Gurukulam, October 1, 2012
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