Richard Layard, British economist states that
“Happiness comes from outside and from within. The two are not in
contradiction. The true pilgrim fights the evils in the world out there and
cultivates the spirit within”. Layard Sir has to be a perfect yogi to think so.
There is substance in that statement, generally a spiritual seeker is told to
seek Happiness from within. But in some cases happiness can be making sure that
those around you are happy also. It could be someone you love also. The
striking example could be a mother, she is always happy for her family. Even if
she does not have enough to eat she would be happy to see that the entire
family members have had enough. How could she have experienced happiness even
if she had to starve? What is such happiness called? Is it not which she has
obtained from outside of her? And same is so with father, he does an extra to
see that his children get the best. Is it not happiness that is got from
outside? I would not call it sacrifice, I can say they only want to see their
children happy so that they are happy looking at the happiness of their
children. Happiness lies in making others happy, in forsaking self-interest to
bring joy to others. Spreading happiness doesn’t cost money; it just needs
willingness to spread.
We are to believe that happiness benefits not only
self but also the one with and around us. It would not be enough if we are
happy and people around us are crying in agony. I think many will agree with me
that even though happiness is said to be state of mind, it's impossible for one
to be happy among people who are not happy. Even though Buddha was seeking
happiness from within and preached to find one within, He wanted the dreaded
Angulimala to reform himself to avoid seeing people being tortured. A
Bodhisattva does not feel good to see someone around him suffering as he
originated from Mahayana, referring to an enlightened soul who chooses to stay
and help others. As far as I know happiness spreads happiness, it's
unquestionably infectious. Happiness is like an intoxicant, it keeps the person
high when his surrounding is also high.
Research shows that a person can be happy in a place
where he is seeing everything as much about his own mental wellbeing. The more
likely people are to see others as happy, kind-hearted and emotionally stable
is often a reflection of how happy, kind hearted and emotionally stable they
are and feel. As spiritual beings we already carry Happiness within us, but if
we were to be in a society which is ailing can we enjoy that happiness. The
greatest happiness comes from seeing others happy and to have a feel of being a
positive part in it. Making others happy is tremendously important to our own
happiness, and a most satisfying experience. It annihilates the selfish nature
in us and makes us look at things in a broader perspective. I believe being of
spiritual, mental, and material use to others, one can find his own needs
fulfilled. As he forgets self in service to others, he finds that without
seeking it, his cup of happiness will be filled automatically.
“Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others
without getting a few drops on yourself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
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