The Source of Unhappiness Is Our Dependence on Happiness in an External Source: Basic Hindu Teaching
Hinduism, one of the oldest spiritual traditions, offers profound insights into the nature of happiness and unhappiness. A central teaching in Hindu philosophy is that true happiness is intrinsic and not dependent on external sources. This essay explores this teaching with references to scriptures like the Yoga Vasishta, quotes from Hindu sages, and stories from Hindu texts that highlight the pitfalls of seeking happiness externally and the path to inner bliss.
The Nature of Happiness and Unhappiness in Hindu Philosophy
In Hinduism, happiness (“ananda”) is considered the natural state of the soul (“atman”). The Yoga Vasishta states, “Happiness is within. It has no relationship with external objects.” This profound statement underscores the idea that true contentment arises from within, untainted by the fleeting nature of external pleasures.
Unhappiness, on the other hand, stems from our reliance on external sources for fulfillment. External objects and achievements are inherently transient. The Bhagavad Gita echoes this sentiment: “He who is unattached to the external world and its pleasures, and is in union with the Self, enjoys blissful contentment” (Bhagavad Gita 5.21). The dependency on external factors for happiness inevitably leads to dissatisfaction and suffering because external circumstances are subject to change and impermanence.
Yoga Vasishta on the Illusion of External Happiness
The Yoga Vasistha, a seminal text in Vedanta philosophy, delves deeply into the transient nature of worldly joys. It narrates the story of King Janaka, a ruler who achieved self-realization while performing his royal duties. When asked how he remained unperturbed amidst challenges, King Janaka explained that he did not attach his sense of happiness to his kingdom, wealth, or power. Instead, he remained rooted in the self, which is beyond the dualities of pleasure and pain. The text teaches that clinging to external objects is akin to grasping a mirage—an illusion that leads to frustration.
Another poignant teaching from the Yoga Vasishta is the analogy of waves and the ocean. The waves represent fleeting joys and sorrows, while the ocean symbolizes the eternal bliss of the self. By identifying with the ocean rather than the waves, one transcends the turbulence of external dependencies.
The Wisdom of Hindu Sages
Hindu sages and holy men have consistently emphasized the futility of seeking happiness outside oneself.
Swami Vivekananda stated, “Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal.” His words remind us that true fulfillment lies in realizing our inner divinity, rather than in accumulating external possessions or achievements.
Ramana Maharshi, another revered sage, taught self-inquiry (“Who am I?”) as a means to discover the eternal source of happiness within. He said, “Your own Self-realization is the greatest service you can render the world.” His teachings emphasize that when we cease to seek happiness externally and turn inward, we uncover a wellspring of joy that is independent of external circumstances.
Sri Aurobindo, a modern Hindu thinker, wrote extensively about the higher states of consciousness where the soul experiences unconditioned bliss. He described the pursuit of external happiness as a “lower vibration” and urged individuals to aspire for the “supramental” state, where one is immersed in the divine ananda.
Stories from Hindu Scriptures
Hindu scriptures are replete with stories that illustrate the dangers of depending on external sources for happiness. These stories not only convey timeless wisdom but also provide practical lessons for life.
The Story of the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan)
In the Samudra Manthan episode from the Bhagavata Purana, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churn the cosmic ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita). During the process, numerous treasures and poisons emerge from the ocean, symbolizing the ups and downs of worldly pursuits. The story teaches that while external efforts can yield temporary rewards, true fulfillment lies in transcendence. The nectar of immortality, akin to eternal bliss, is discovered only when the churning—symbolizing inner effort and spiritual practice—is complete.
The Story of Sage Vishwamitra and Menaka
The sage Vishwamitra, despite his intense austerities, succumbs to the allure of Menaka, a celestial nymph. This episode illustrates how even the most disciplined individuals can falter when seeking happiness in external pleasures. Vishwamitra’s eventual realization and return to his spiritual practices highlight the importance of inner focus and detachment from worldly temptations.
The Story of King Yayati
The story of King Yayati from the Mahabharata serves as a cautionary tale about insatiable desires. Yayati exchanges his old age with his son’s youth to indulge in worldly pleasures, only to realize that desires are endless. He ultimately renounces his kingdom and seeks spiritual liberation. This narrative underscores that external gratification can never satisfy the soul’s yearning for eternal bliss.
The Practice of Detachment (Vairagya)
Hindu philosophy advocates vairagya, or detachment, as a means to transcend dependence on external happiness. The Bhagavad Gita states, “When a man completely casts off all desires of the mind and is satisfied in the Self by the Self, then he is said to be steady in wisdom” (Bhagavad Gita 2.55).
Detachment does not mean renunciation of life but rather a shift in perspective. By performing one’s duties selflessly and without attachment to outcomes (karma yoga), one can remain anchored in inner peace. The Gita’s concept of sthitaprajna (a person of steady wisdom) exemplifies this ideal.
The Role of Meditation and Self-Realization
Meditation is a cornerstone of Hindu practices to achieve inner happiness. Techniques such as mindfulness, dhyana (meditation), and japa (chanting) help quiet the mind and connect with the deeper self. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe meditation as a tool to transcend the fluctuations of the mind (chitta vritti nirodha), leading to the realization of the soul’s inherent bliss.
The Upanishads, foundational texts of Hindu philosophy, emphasize self-realization as the ultimate goal. The Chandogya Upanishad declares, “Tat Tvam Asi” (“Thou art That”), affirming that the individual soul is one with the ultimate reality (“Brahman”). This realization dissolves the illusion of separateness and dependence on external sources for happiness.
Lessons for Modern Life
In today’s materialistic world, the dependence on external sources for happiness has only increased. Social media, consumerism, and the relentless pursuit of success often leave individuals feeling empty and unfulfilled. Hindu teachings offer a timeless antidote to this modern malaise. By turning inward, practicing mindfulness, and cultivating self-awareness, individuals can discover lasting happiness that is immune to external fluctuations.
The Yoga Vasistha advises: “Live in the present, without any craving for what is not present, and be happy.” This simple yet profound teaching encourages a shift from external dependency to inner contentment.
Hinduism teaches that the source of unhappiness lies in our reliance on external factors for fulfillment. Through scriptures like the Yoga Vasistha, the wisdom of sages, and stories from Hindu texts, we learn that true happiness is not found in fleeting pleasures but in the eternal bliss of the self. By practicing detachment, meditation, and self-inquiry, individuals can transcend the illusions of external dependency and realize their inherent divinity. This timeless wisdom is not only relevant but also essential for navigating the complexities of modern life, guiding us toward a state of enduring peace and joy.