How deep does one need to go in the pursuit of happiness? What about gaining knowledge? Experiencing contentment? How long will it take to find satisfaction with oneself? Will it be in the acquisition of material objects and/or spiritual achievement? These questions drive our routines and guide our lives whether we are aware of it or not. At the end of each day, we can analyse our entire life in the few deep breaths before we sleep and depending on our level of contentment, the sleep we experience can either be peaceful or we may toss and turn on the bed.
A life of happiness and contentment depends on the quality of knowledge we gain and the type of knowledge we choose to study and understand. It is why one man can have nothing but be truly happy and contented whilst another can have everything but experience terrible unhappiness. All quandaries are put aside when we understand the nature of both contented and discontented lives. We are made to understand by Tulsidasji in the Shri Ramcharitra-manas that a life lived in full is a life lived for others. It is not as simple as it sounds. The best bet one would think is to live for oneself and focus solely on one’s own spiritual and material development; this would bring the fastest results. However, that is not the case, for it is also mentioned that a man’s true spiritual development begins with a Guru and is strengthened only when he gets a wife and vice versa. A selfish life is the fastest way to one’s own downfall.
One may also ask how is it possible to spend so much time on other people and gain even more merit than if one were to spend it on one’s own development? It is by spending these hours every day that the mind becomes conditioned to think good thoughts that in turn drive good deeds which feed and nourish our souls with good karma. We become addicted to positive thoughts and deeds and become restless when there is no opportunity to express our new way of life. It is recommended that elders and young children, the lost and forgotten and most importantly the Guru, the cows and lower forms of creation benefit the most from our actions of goodwill. Why spend hours in lectures – listening or even giving lectures? Instead, use your hands and feet and perform actions that bring greater mental clarity and contentment.
Despite the challenges there are in life, in good and bad, sickness and health, seize the opportunities available to make your life one of substance. The only person who cannot help another is a dead person. Do not see yourself as one who needs help, for there is always another person who is experiencing worse circumstances than yours. Get up, awaken, become aware and make yourself happy.
