There is no Path to Happiness, Happiness is the Path

• 17 Oct 2024

“Happiness is When What You Think, What You Say, and What You do are in Harmony.”

—--Mahatma Gandhi

The quote "There is no path to happiness; happiness is the path" invites us to shift our focus from treating happiness as a distant goal to recognising it as a way of living. Happiness is not a destination but an attitude of mind, something to be nurtured in everyday life, regardless of circumstances.

Happiness is often associated with achievements of financial stability, career success, relationships, and possessions. People plan their lives believing that happiness will arrive after reaching certain milestones, owning a house, getting a promotion, or finding the perfect partner.

However, the joy these events bring is often short-lived, followed by new desires, leading to what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill a cycle where one constantly chases happiness without ever feeling truly content.

In today’s world, many aspire to climb the ladder of material success, believing happiness lies at the top. From high-pressure corporate jobs to the race for academic excellence, the mindset is often future-oriented. "I will be happy when” Yet, numerous stories show that even after acquiring wealth and prestige, individuals may feel unfulfilled.

This realisation echoes the essence of the saying, that happiness is not waiting at the end of the road, it must be cultivated along the journey. Understanding happiness as a path, not a destination, has significant implications for society and governance. Rather than relying solely on economic indicators like GDP, countries can adopt broader metrics like Gross National Happiness (GNH), as Bhutan does.

GNH measures progress by considering cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and psychological well-being, fostering a more inclusive society where happiness is a shared responsibility. Similarly, education systems can prioritise emotional intelligence, resilience, and interpersonal skills over mere competition and achievement.

By teaching students to appreciate life in the present, they develop essential skills for navigating challenges without compromising their happiness, ultimately creating a more balanced and fulfilled society.

The Bhagavad Gita offers profound insights into happiness. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty (karma) without attachment to the results. This teaching known as Karma Yoga encourages individuals to engage in meaningful action without obsessing over outcomes. The message is that fulfilment lies in the process, not the result.

For example, a farmer in rural India may not know how much his harvest will yield, yet his happiness comes from working in the fields diligently, knowing he has done his best. India's history and culture offer numerous examples of people finding happiness despite adversity.

A powerful example is Mahatma Gandhi, who cultivated inner joy even during the most challenging moments of his life. Gandhi led India’s struggle for independence through non-violence, enduring imprisonment and personal loss. Yet, he found happiness in his spiritual practices, self-discipline, and unwavering commitment to truth (Satyagraha).

Buddhism originated in India and teaches that suffering arises from desire and attachment. The Buddha’s solution lies in mindful living and embracing the impermanence of life. Happiness, according to the Buddha, is not found by eliminating difficulties but by changing one’s relationship with them.

Practices such as Vipassana meditation, which focuses on observing thoughts and emotions without attachment, encourage a state of inner peace that leads to happiness in everyday moments. Vipassana is a process that makes people happy and satisfied by enriching them with inner peace.

Indian culture embraces the idea that happiness is found in the present through festivals, rituals, and collective celebrations. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Pongal reflect the spirit of joy, togetherness, and gratitude. These celebrations are not about waiting for a perfect life but about finding happiness amidst imperfections.

These festivals illustrate that happiness is a shared experience cultivated in the here and now. These examples highlight that happiness is not dependent on perfect conditions but on the ability to find joy even amidst hardships.

Sufi mysticism, which has deeply influenced parts of Indian culture, echoes this philosophy. Sufi poets like Rumi and Indian mystics such as Kabir highlight the importance of living in the present. Kabir writes, “Jhini jhini bini chadariya” (life is like a delicate cloth that must be woven with care). The essence of their teachings is that happiness lies in the present, in simple joys, and not in waiting for grand events to unfold.

In modern cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, many people are drawn to mindfulness practices, including meditation, journaling, and yoga, as ways to reclaim happiness in the midst of hectic routines.

Initiatives like The Art of Living by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar encourage people to embrace happiness as a daily practice by focusing on breathing techniques, mindfulness, and compassion. Such movements reflect the growing awareness that external achievements alone cannot guarantee happiness.

Mindfulness and meditation foster inner peace by grounding individuals in the present, while focusing on internal values over external achievements builds a solid foundation for lasting happiness. The practice of yoga and meditation is another example of cultivating happiness from within.

Yoga focuses not only on physical well-being but also on mental and emotional balance, teaching practitioners to be content in the present moment. Thus, happiness is not seen as something to be pursued in the future but as a state of being in the present.

Whether through ancient spiritual teachings, simple rural lifestyles, or inspiring individuals like Mahatma Gandhi, the idea remains the same, happiness lies in how we live each moment. By accepting life as it comes, practising gratitude, and engaging fully with the present, we embody the truth that happiness is not the goal happiness is the path itself.

This philosophy encourages us to let go of rigid expectations and to experience the joy that lies hidden in the ordinary moments of life. In the end, as the wisdom of global cultural traditions reminds us, true happiness lies in embracing the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination.

“Happiness is Not Something Ready Made. It Comes from Your Own Actions.”

—-Dalai Lama