They say that happiness is the most important emotion in our life. Nothing else feels as beautiful or wonderful as happiness. In fact, the very purpose of life should be the pursuit of happiness! In day-to-day life, happiness is the balance of emotions – experiencing more positive than negative feelings. It is about satisfaction and how fulfilled we are or feel in different areas of our lives, such as relationships, work, special interests, and how much our life aligns with our values. Happiness is more than the absence of sadness – it’s about our overall sense of purpose and satisfaction in life. A strong sense of happiness and wellbeing can lead to better relationships, increase social connection and contribution to the lives of others, as well as contribute to healthier physical wellbeing.

Wellbeing is fundamental to our happiness and life-satisfaction. It’s a combination of factors that make us feel physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally healthy. On the other hand, happiness comes from within us – it’s a state, not a trait! In other words, it’s not a long-lasting, permanent feature or personality trait, but a more fleeting, changeable state.

Greek Philosophy

The Greek philosopher Aristotle believed that in happiness one finds the very meaning and purpose of life, it is the whole aim and end of human existence. The term ‘happiness’ was used by most Greek philosophers as ‘Eudaimonia’ which Aristotle described as, “doing and living well.”  Aristotle’s idea of Eudaimonia was being healthy, wealthy, having a good family life and lots of good friends. This is more akin to Zoroastrian philosophy and way of life. On the other hand, Socrates believed that only the poor or those who have nothing to lose, can be happy. Epicurus believed that Eudaimonia was the absence of all forms of pain and suffering, while Zeno of Citium, who founded Stoicism, felt that life is about suffering, and happiness is to accept all obstacles and challenges of life with tranquillity. In stark contrast to Stoicism was Hedonism, which believed that happiness meant spending time doing whatever gave one pleasure. The basic idea behind hedonistic thought was that pleasure is the only thing that has intrinsic value.

Vedic View

Sat-chit-ananda (Sanskrit) describes the nature of reality as conceptualized in Vedic and yogic philosophy. Some consider sat-chit-ananda (truth-consciousness-bliss) to be the same as Brahman (Absolute Reality). Others use it as a term to describe the experience of realizing the unity and wholeness of all existence. It is said that sat-chit-ananda is the source of all consciousness and all perfection. To experience sat-chit-ananda is to achieve the ‘ultimate goal’ of the spiritual journey.

In the Veda, Upanishad and Bhagavad Gita, Ananda signifies eternal bliss which accompanies the end of the cycles of birth and rebirth. Those who renounce the fruits of their actions (Karma)and submit themselves completely to the Divine Will, arrive at the final termination of the cyclical life process (Saṃsara) to enjoy eternal bliss (Ananda) in perfect union with the Supreme Divinity. Ananda is also attained through the path of Bhakti (Devotion).

The basic purpose of Vedanta or the Upanishad is to help human beings search for the Eternal that is the source of Truth and Joy. Happiness, thus, is the product of realisation of Truth. Happiness, according to the Vedantic view, does not lie outside a person but is within that person. But it is ignorance of that essentially happy nature that is the cause of all dissatisfaction and unease. Vedanta helps the true seeker to lift that veil of ignorance and reveals the source of all happiness. Indian poet, saint Kabir Das explained this in his famous couplet, summarised thus: “Just as the fragrance of a flower lies within, so also is the essence of human happiness inside man, yet he acts like the musk deer searching for the musk in the grass where the aroma from the musk within the deer has spread.”

Zoroastrian View

The pursuit of Ushta or happiness is intrinsic to the Zoroastrian way of life. From a Zoroastrian perspective the path to happiness is in leading a Purposeful, Productive, Positive and Prosperous life. Happiness can be found in daily acts of kindness and goodness. Receiving gifts of love, blessings or material goods can make one happy. But, giving these away can make one even more happy!

To be charitable in thought, words and deed is to be happy. If one’s good thoughts, good words and good deeds could make someone happy, it would automatically make the practitioner of this virtue happy as well. The Zoroastrian religion views pain and poverty as afflictions of evil. To be personally free from pain and poverty and make others free from pain and poverty is to be truly happy!

In his book, ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’, nineteenth century philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche explains his views on life, love, happiness, and ultimately human existence. Nietzsche describes the importance of happiness through self-love. He asserts that people invest too much of their energy in loving others while they themselves are miserable. He advises them to focus less on others and more on being happy themselves, arguing that this will ultimately be better for everyone because happy people rarely cause harm to others, while miserable people tend to make others miserable. The truth is, we cannot make anyone happy if we are not happy ourselves.

Importance Of Happiness

Happiness causes the body to secrete chemicals that stimulate the brain’s learning centres, enabling one to think more clearly, creatively, and quickly. Studies have shown that happiness improves physical performance and strengthens one’s immune system.

Emotions have a ripple effect, influencing those around us for better or for worse. The human brain has ‘mirror neurons’ that mimic the sensations of people around us: If we see someone in pain, these neurons can cause us to feel their pain, and if we see someone who is happy, we feel their happiness. This works both ways, making our emotions contagious as well.

Happiness is the ultimate feeling or emotional experience available to human life. It is the very purpose of human life. Happiness makes life meaningful. It is the only useful output of life. Everything else is an input. Working on our happiness can contribute to our overall wellbeing – and the wellbeing of those around us. Hence, this New Year, make happiness your priority!