Realize The Infinite For Everlasting Happiness - Hindu Religion Perspective

Divinity is at the root of our very existence and is the source of infinite Knowledge and Bliss. Man is not conscious of his divinity because of ignorance (avidya). It is this ignorance which prompts him to desire (kama) enjoyment and seek lasting happiness in the world. And desires are not merely those directed towards gross objects; there are desires for wealth, prosperity, progeny and, to cap it all, name and fame. Desires, in turn, goad man to action (karma) towards their fulfillment.

Our search for happiness in the external world is through the five perceptions: hearing, touch, sight, taste and smell. And the instruments for these perceptions are our five sense organs: ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nose. The sense organs are so constituted that they are ever outward directed and tend to come in touch with their respective sense objects.

Life in the world is beset with dualities: pleasure-pain, praise-blame, heat-cold and so on. Unmixed pleasure is thus impossible in the world. It is a package deal: you have the one and the other comes in uninvited. Says Swami Vivekananda,

 ‘Happiness presents itself before man, wearing the crown of sorrow on its head. He who welcomes it must also welcome sorrow.’

That desire is the cause of all misery, Buddha discovered long back and declared it as one of the Four Noble Truths.

A life of unbridled sense enjoyment has to necessarily end up in misery and frustration.

The Upanishads also make it clear that lasting happiness is possible only by realizing the Infinite (Spirit); there can be no happiness in the finite things of the world.

Source – Prabuddha Bharata May 2005

Explanation And Additional Thoughts:

Hinduism presents the profound idea that divinity resides within every individual, forming the foundation of true knowledge and bliss. At the heart of this belief lies the understanding that our ignorance (avidya) clouds our awareness of this innate divinity. The pursuit of desires (kama), whether for material wealth, recognition, or worldly pleasures, leads individuals away from their true self, the Atman—the divine essence within.

Understanding this concept offers guidance for achieving everlasting happiness by transcending desires and recognizing the infinite within.

Symbolism of Avidya, Kama, and Karma

In Hindu philosophy, the cycle of avidya (ignorance), kama (desire), and karma (action) encapsulates the human struggle:

1. Avidya represents our ignorance of our higher Self, causing us to focus on the ephemeral rather than the eternal.
2. Kama stems from this ignorance, driving us toward material desires, believing they will bring lasting fulfillment.
3. Karma, or actions performed to satisfy these desires, leads to further entanglement in the world, reinforcing the cycle of ignorance and desire.

This cycle prevents individuals from realizing their true nature, which is infinite and eternal. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47) offers a remedy by advising: "You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."
This highlights the importance of performing action without attachment to the results, leading to spiritual growth and liberation from the cycle of desires.

The Importance of Moksha and Liberation

The ultimate goal in Hinduism is moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Realization of one’s divinity is key to attaining this state, as it allows one to transcend both kama and karma. The Upanishads stress that Brahman (the ultimate reality) and the Atman are one, and this knowledge leads to everlasting bliss. The Chandogya Upanishad states: "Tat Tvam Asi", meaning "Thou art That," indicating that the individual soul is inherently divine and part of the infinite Brahman.

Practicality in Day-to-Day Life

The realization of the infinite and the awareness of one’s divinity can seem abstract but have immense relevance in everyday life. Here are some ways this philosophy can be applied:

1. Contentment and Inner Peace: By acknowledging that worldly desires are fleeting, one can cultivate contentment with what one has. This doesn’t imply passivity but encourages a balanced approach to life. Material possessions and achievements are seen as temporary and not the source of lasting happiness.

2. Reducing Stress: Many modern challenges arise from an attachment to outcomes. By embracing the concept of performing duties without attachment (as emphasized in Karma Yoga), individuals can reduce stress and anxiety, especially in work or personal pursuits.

3. Overcoming Materialism: The modern world often equates success with material wealth and fame. Hindu philosophy teaches that lasting happiness comes from within, not from external validation. Realizing this can help people live more authentic lives, driven by higher values such as compassion, truth, and self-realization.

4. Simplicity in Living: Living with the awareness of the infinite encourages simplicity. The spiritual path in Hinduism, whether through Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), or Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), promotes reducing attachment to materialistic desires and leading a life of minimalism.

Story: King Janaka and the Sage Ashtavakra

A well-known story in Hinduism that highlights the distinction between material desires and the realization of the infinite is the dialogue between King Janaka and the sage Ashtavakra, as found in the Ashtavakra Gita. Janaka, a great king, sought knowledge and wisdom beyond his earthly duties. Ashtavakra taught him that the physical world is an illusion and that the true Self is eternal and infinite. Through this understanding, King Janaka achieved liberation while still performing his kingly duties, illustrating that one can engage with the world without being entangled in it.

Modern-Day Relevance: Balancing Material and Spiritual Life

In today’s world, people are constantly seeking happiness through wealth, relationships, and achievements. However, the Hindu wisdom of recognizing the divinity within teaches us that lasting happiness does not depend on external circumstances. It encourages the practice of mindfulness, self-reflection, and understanding of our deeper spiritual nature.

For instance, meditation and yoga, which are deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, offer practical tools for calming the mind, controlling desires, and connecting with the infinite. These practices have gained worldwide recognition for their benefits in improving mental well-being and achieving a balanced life.

Hinduism’s timeless wisdom holds great relevance in the modern world. By realizing that we are not mere physical beings seeking temporary pleasures but divine entities capable of infinite knowledge and bliss, we can find lasting happiness. This philosophy provides a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities, emphasizing the importance of detachment, mindfulness, and the pursuit of higher truths. As the Bhagavad Gita suggests, when one transcends desires, sees the Self in all beings, and recognizes the infinite within, one experiences true happiness and peace.