Lord Buddha once said, "Happiness is the greatest wealth on earth.” Who can explain it better than this royal prince, brought up in the lap of luxury, who renounced the world in search of happiness, leaving his wife and new born son behind?
If the purpose of life is to be happy, we should know how to attain happiness. It is said that happiness is a state of mind. If you decide to be happy even when things go wrong, you can be happy. Others say contentment is the key to happiness. But when we see others enjoying the things we yearn for, we become jealous.
A compassionate mind, with concern for others’ well-being, is the source of happiness. However, while focusing on the life we yearn for, we neglect the life we have. By nature people are kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and gifted. But temptation and illusions drag us to desire, greed and anger, which bring sorrow and misery.
We, with the ability to explore the unknown and transform ideas into innovative inventions, have made a vast difference to the quality of life today. At the press of a button we can dispel darkness. We do not have to endure the vagaries of the weather. In a jiffy we can be face to face with our dear ones residing far across the seven seas. The basic necessities of life are no longer restricted to food, clothing and shelter, but extend to the vast and varied world of entertainment, glamor, fashion and innovation.
Happiness is seasonal. Sometimes our life is like a serene meadow with gentle streams of relations flowing around, spreading peace and joy. Suddenly our garden of happiness dries up and becomes barren as on the arrival of summer. Sorrow and misery drives away the little hope fluttering within our hearts. But after the hot sultry summer comes the soothing rain. When God showers his blessings of rain, the barren land is transformed into a lush green carpet with multicolored flowers springing out as happiness personified. Sharing love with all God’s creatures brings happiness in abundance.
Zarathushtra has given a clear indication to his followers that happiness comes to those who bring happiness to others. By bringing sunshine into the lives of others our path also will be illuminated.
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com