Happiness is the cherished goal of every human being, whether man or woman. But, it is a fact that the majority of them fail to achieve happiness. They begin their day with unhappiness and end it with unhappiness. It is a sad aspect of the life of almost every human being. So, what is the solution to this widespread problem?

By applying the well-known formula: ‘It is by making comparisons that we understand’, we can explain this phenomenon. Animals are in many ways like human beings, but with the difference that all animals live in a state of happiness. The word ‘unhappiness’ is not found in their dictionary. What is the reason for this difference? It is because animals are always contented. They are satisfied with whatever they get, be it more or less.

This tells us that the secret of happiness is in contentment. If you are contented, you will be happy. But if you are discontented with what you possess or have achieved, then you are bound to live in a state of unhappiness.

Studies show that there are two levels of achievement: one based on need and the second on greed. As far as need is concerned, very few are in a truly deprived state in this world. But, the pursuit of greed has no limit. No amount of achievement can satisfy one’s greed. It is this streak in man’s nature that makes him unhappy.

In this matter, everyone should be very practical. All must differentiate between the achievable and the unachievable. The meeting of needs is achievable for most people, but the satisfaction of greed is hardly achievable for all and sundry, even for the wealthy and the politically powerful.

Although the number of things about which one feels greedy is finite, there is no end to greed itself and the attempt to satiate one’s greed is an unending quest. Man demands are unlimited. This is part of his nature. But the world in which he lives is a limited one, and is very seldom geared up to meet his demands. It is this difference that leads to that unenviable state called unhappiness.

Both happiness and unhappiness are states of mind. If you acknowledge this fact, you will easily be able to keep your ambitions in check and will instantly achieve happiness. Happiness is an internal phenomenon, it is not an external achievement.

Acharya Rajneesh was an Indian mystic guru. He wrote a book called, Kundalini Andar Base. This title is based on a story of the musk deer. When it smells the odour of its own musk, it runs here and there in search of the source of the fragrance, although it is actually coming from within it. The same is true of happiness. Man searches for happiness outside himself, unaware of the fact that happiness dwells within him.

Happiness is everyone’s greatest desire, yet there are few who ever achieve it. Why is this so? It is because man is searching for it outside of himself in the external world, although happiness lies in his inner world, that is, in his state of mind. Make your state of mind healthy and you will certainly achieve happiness.

Source: Leading a Spiritual Life