Pursuit of Pursuit of HappinessHappiness

Vichaar – July 27, 2014Vichaar – July 27, 2014

Inder Mohan SinghInder Mohan Singh

Pursuit of HappinessPursuit of Happiness

We spend our lives chasing We spend our lives chasing “happiness”“happiness”

US Declaration of Independence US Declaration of Independence even defines the pursuit of even defines the pursuit of happiness as a basic human righthappiness as a basic human right

We strive for whatever we believe We strive for whatever we believe will make us happy:will make us happy: Wealth, success, fame, love, excitementWealth, success, fame, love, excitement

Pursuit of HappinessPursuit of Happiness

But as we achieve any of these, But as we achieve any of these, we are still unsatisfied. Our we are still unsatisfied. Our needs grow or change.needs grow or change.

Often things donOften things don’’t go our way in t go our way in spite of all our effortsspite of all our effortsਮਾ�ਨਸ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਤ ਬਹੁ� ਭਾ�ਤਿਤ ਮਾ�ਨਸ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਤ ਬਹੁ� ਭਾ�ਤਿਤ ॥॥You may make all sorts of effortsYou may make all sorts of efforts

ਤਿਤਸ ਕ� ਕਰਤਬ ਤਿਬਰਥੇ� ਜ�ਤਿਤ ਤਿਤਸ ਕ� ਕਰਤਬ ਤਿਬਰਥੇ� ਜ�ਤਿਤ ॥ ॥ but these attempts are in vain.but these attempts are in vain.

Happiness and Suffering Happiness and Suffering Are Part of LifeAre Part of Life

ਸ�ਖੁ� ਦੁ�ਖੁ� ਦੁ�ਇ ਦੁਤਿਰ ਕਪੜੇ� ਪਤਿਹੁਰਤਿਹੁ ਜ�ਇ ਮਾਨ�ਖੁ ॥ ਸ�ਖੁ� ਦੁ�ਖੁ� ਦੁ�ਇ ਦੁਤਿਰ ਕਪੜੇ� ਪਤਿਹੁਰਤਿਹੁ ਜ�ਇ ਮਾਨ�ਖੁ ॥ , Pleasure and pain are the two garments given to , Pleasure and pain are the two garments given to

.be worn in the Court of the Lord .be worn in the Court of the Lord

ਜਤਨ ਬਹੁ�ਤ ਸ�ਖੁ ਕ� ਕ�ਏ ਦੁ�ਖੁ ਕ� ਕ�ਓ ਨ ਕ�ਇ ਜਤਨ ਬਹੁ�ਤ ਸ�ਖੁ ਕ� ਕ�ਏ ਦੁ�ਖੁ ਕ� ਕ�ਓ ਨ ਕ�ਇ ॥ ॥ People make all sorts of efforts to find peace and People make all sorts of efforts to find peace and

pleasure, but no one tries to earn painpleasure, but no one tries to earn pain..ਕਹੁ� ਨ�ਨਕ ਸ�ਤਿਨ ਰ� ਮਾਨ� ਹੁਤਿਰ ਭਾ�ਵੈ� ਸ� ਹੁ�ਇ ਕਹੁ� ਨ�ਨਕ ਸ�ਤਿਨ ਰ� ਮਾਨ� ਹੁਤਿਰ ਭਾ�ਵੈ� ਸ� ਹੁ�ਇ ॥॥੩੯੩੯॥ ॥ Says Nanak, listen, mindSays Nanak, listen, mind: : whatever pleases God whatever pleases God

comes to passcomes to pass. . ||39||||39||

Ups and Downs Like a yoyo our emotional

state goes up and down, between happiness and sadness.

ਕਬਹੁ" ਜ�ਅੜੇ� ਊਤਿਭਾ ਚੜੇਤ� ਹੁ� ਕਬਹੁ" ਜ�ਇ ਪਇਆਲੇ� ॥

Sometimes, the soul soars high in the heavens, and sometimes it falls to the depths of the nether regions – Guru Nanak, SGGS p.876

Ups and Ups and DownsDowns

We are constantly tossed around by the waves Bhaujal or stormy ocean of material

existence or Maya We experience a stream of ups and

downs Is how we handle these situations that

determines our emotional state.

Two Kinds of Happiness

1. Transient, ups and downs Khushi, hasna / rona Happiness, pleasure, excitement or

dissapointment, pain Externally oriented Need to transcend this kind of sukh/dukh

2. True happiness, constant, deeper Anand, Sehaj, vigaas, phool, chao, chardi kalaa bliss, peace, blossom forth Inner spiritual and mental state Aspire to achieve this kind of true happiness

Transcending Happiness and Sorrow

Gurbani urges us to learn to treat happiness and sorrow the same

ਸ�ਖੁ� ਦੁ�ਖੁ� ਦੁ�ਨ( ਸਮਾ ਕਤਿਰ ਜ�ਨ� ਅਉਰ� ਮਾ�ਨ� ਅਪਮਾ�ਨ� ॥One who knows that pain and pleasure are both the same, and honor and

dishonor as well,ਹੁਰਖੁ ਸ�ਗ ਤ� ਰਹੁ� ਅਤ�ਤ� ਤਿਤਤਿਨ ਜਤਿਗ ਤਤ� ਪਛਾ�ਨ� ॥੧॥who remains detached from joy and sorrow, realizes the true essence in

the world. ||1|| Guru Teg Bahadur – SGGS p.219

Look at both, including suffering, as gifts from Waheguru

ਕ�ਤਿਤਆ ਦੁ"ਖੁ ਭਾ"ਖੁ ਸਦੁ ਮਾ�ਰ ॥So many endure distress, deprivation and constant abuse.ਏਤਿਹੁ ਤਿਭਾ ਦੁ�ਤਿਤ ਤ�ਰ� ਦੁ�ਤ�ਰ ॥Even these are Your Gifts, O Great Giver!

Strategies for True Happiness – Naam Simran

Naam Simran – leads to a state of equipoise and Chardi Kalaa, transcending pleasure and pain

ਕਬ�ਰ ਹੁਤਿਰ ਕ� ਤਿਸਮਾਰਨ� ਜ� ਕਰ� ਸ� ਸ�ਖੁ�ਆ ਸ-ਸ�ਤਿਰ ॥ Kabeer, whoever meditates in remembrance on the Lord, he alone is happy in this world.

ਇਤ ਉਤ ਕਤਤਿਹੁ ਨ ਡੋ�ਲੇਈ ਤਿਜਸ ਰ�ਖੁ� ਤਿਸਰਜਨਹੁ�ਰ ॥੨੦੬॥ Protected by the Creator Lord, he shall never

waver, here or hereafter. ||206|| - Kabeer, SGGS pg.1375

Strategies for True Happiness – Naam Simran

Sukh

Dukh

Hap

pine

ss

Manmukh GurmukhSpiritual growth

Naam

Haumai

Strategies for True Happiness –

Lean on Him, Ardas Prayer, lean on Waheguru

ਊਠਤ ਸ�ਖੁ�ਆ ਬ�ਠਤ ਸ�ਖੁ�ਆ ॥Rising up, I am at peace; sitting down, I am at

peace.ਭਾਉ ਨਹੁ� ਲੇ�ਗ� ਜ�4 ਐਸ� ਬ�ਝੀ�ਆ ॥੧॥I feel no fear, because this is what I understand. ||

1||ਰ�ਖੁ� ਏਕ� ਹੁਮਾ�ਰ� ਸ�ਆਮਾ� ॥The One Lord, my Lord and Master, is my

Protector.ਸਗਲੇ ਘਟਾ� ਕ� ਅ-ਤਰਜ�ਮਾ� ॥੧॥ ਰਹੁ�ਉ ॥He is the Inner-knower, the Searcher of Hearts. ||

1||Pause|| - Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 1136

Strategies for True Happiness - Hukam

Recognize and live in tune with His Hukamਤਿਤਸ ਕ� ਹੁ�ਕਮਾ� ਬ"ਤਿਝੀ ਸ�ਖੁ� ਹੁ�ਇ ॥Understanding His Hukam leads to peace and happiness –

Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 281

Accept gratefully all that happens, both good or bad, as His Hukam

ਜ� ਤ�ਧੁ� ਭਾ�ਵੈ� ਸ�ਈ ਭਾਲੇ� ਕ�ਰ ॥ Whatever pleases You is the only good done,ਤ" ਸਦੁ� ਸਲੇ�ਮਾਤਿਤ ਤਿਨਰ-ਕ�ਰ ॥੧੬॥ You, Eternal and Formless One! ||16|| Guru Nanak, SGGS p. 3

Don’t remember God only when things go bad – not as spare tire, but as steering wheel

Strategies for True Happiness - Gratitude

Gratitude for all His blessings We often think of God only when

things don’t work out, or we feel we need something.

He blesses us with so many things that we take for granted.

Just stopping to count all blessings, and thanking Waheguru for them can be so uplifting

So Many Blessings to Be So Many Blessings to Be Grateful ForGrateful For

Strategies for True Happiness – Forgiveness - Let Go of

Grudges, Anger As long as there is anger, hurt or a

grudge against any one, we cannot be at peace with ourself, and true happiness eludes us

We hurt ourself in body, mind and spirit

ਪਰ ਕ� ਬ�ਰ� ਨ ਰ�ਖੁਹੁ� ਚ�ਤ ॥ Do not harbor ill will towards others in your mind,ਤ�ਮਾ ਕਉ ਦੁ�ਖੁ� ਨਹੁ� ਭਾ�ਈ ਮਾ�ਤ ॥੩॥ and you shall not be troubled, my brothers, my friends. ||3||Guru

Arjan SGGS p. 386

Strategies for True Happiness – Seva, Giving

Recent survey - some of the happiest people in the world are caregivers and volunteers in NGOs.

Happiness comes more from giving than receiving Selfless seva, doing something for others can be

more fulfilling than any personal pleasure or consumption.

ਬ:ਹੁਮਾ ਤਿਗਆਨ� ਪਰਉਪਕ�ਰ ਉਮਾ�ਹੁ� ॥ The God-conscious being delights in doing good to others.

Guru Arjan – SGGS p. 273

Dukh Daroo Sukh Rog Dukh Daroo Sukh Rog BhayaaBhayaa

We wish only for We wish only for sukh sukh all the time, all the time, and to avoid any and to avoid any dukh, dukh, butbut

Gurbani tells us happiness can be a Gurbani tells us happiness can be a curse, suffering a blessingcurse, suffering a blessingਦੁ�ਖੁ� ਦੁ�ਰ" ਸ�ਖੁ� ਰ�ਗ� ਭਾਇਆਦੁ�ਖੁ� ਦੁ�ਰ" ਸ�ਖੁ� ਰ�ਗ� ਭਾਇਆSuffering can be the medicine, and pleasure the Suffering can be the medicine, and pleasure the

diseasedisease

Downside to Downside to ““HappinessHappiness”” When things go our way:When things go our way: Haumai – I did it, deserved itHaumai – I did it, deserved it

ਹੁਉਮਾ� ਨ�ਵੈ� ਨ�ਤਿਲੇ ਤਿਵੈਰ�ਧੁ� ਹੁ� ਦੁ�ਇ ਨ ਵੈਸਤਿਹੁ ਇਕ ਠ�ਇ ਹੁਉਮਾ� ਨ�ਵੈ� ਨ�ਤਿਲੇ ਤਿਵੈਰ�ਧੁ� ਹੁ� ਦੁ�ਇ ਨ ਵੈਸਤਿਹੁ ਇਕ ਠ�ਇ ॥॥Ego is opposed to the Name of the Lord; the two do not dwell in the same place. Ego is opposed to the Name of the Lord; the two do not dwell in the same place.

- Guru Amardas, SGGS p. 560- Guru Amardas, SGGS p. 560 Arrogance, look down on othersArrogance, look down on others We see this even in the religious field – those achieving We see this even in the religious field – those achieving

some progress start acting some progress start acting ““holier than thouholier than thou”” Some become leaders or teachers and acquire disciples, Some become leaders or teachers and acquire disciples,

but get caught up in but get caught up in haumaihaumai themselves: themselves:

ਕਬ�ਰ ਤਿਸਖੁ ਸ�ਖੁ� ਬਹੁ�ਤ� ਕ�ਏ ਕ�ਸ� ਕ�ਓ ਨ ਮਾ�ਤ� ਕਬ�ਰ ਤਿਸਖੁ ਸ�ਖੁ� ਬਹੁ�ਤ� ਕ�ਏ ਕ�ਸ� ਕ�ਓ ਨ ਮਾ�ਤ� ॥॥ . . Kabeer, he has made many students and disciples, but he has Kabeer, he has made many students and disciples, but he has

not made God his friend.not made God his friend.ਚ�ਲੇ� ਥੇ� ਹੁਤਿਰ ਤਿਮਾਲੇਨ ਕਉ ਬ�ਚ� ਅਟਾਤਿਕਓ ਚ�ਤ� ਚ�ਲੇ� ਥੇ� ਹੁਤਿਰ ਤਿਮਾਲੇਨ ਕਉ ਬ�ਚ� ਅਟਾਤਿਕਓ ਚ�ਤ� ॥॥੯੬੯੬॥ ॥ He set out on a journey to meet the Lord, but his He set out on a journey to meet the Lord, but his

consciousness failed him half-way. consciousness failed him half-way.

Downside to Downside to ““HappinessHappiness”” Greed – want more and more Greed – want more and more

Harder to obtain real satisfaction or Harder to obtain real satisfaction or fulfilmentfulfilment

ਸਹੁਸ ਖੁਟਾ� ਲੇਖੁ ਕਉ ਉਤਿਠ ਧੁ�ਵੈ� ਸਹੁਸ ਖੁਟਾ� ਲੇਖੁ ਕਉ ਉਤਿਠ ਧੁ�ਵੈ� ॥॥Earning a thousand, he runs after a hundred thousand.Earning a thousand, he runs after a hundred thousand.ਤਿਤ;ਪਤਿਤ ਨ ਆਵੈ� ਮਾ�ਇਆ ਪ�ਛਾ� ਪ�ਵੈ� ਤਿਤ;ਪਤਿਤ ਨ ਆਵੈ� ਮਾ�ਇਆ ਪ�ਛਾ� ਪ�ਵੈ� ॥॥Satisfaction is not obtained by chasing after Maya.Satisfaction is not obtained by chasing after Maya.

Envy – compare with others who have moreEnvy – compare with others who have more Entanglement and anxietyEntanglement and anxiety

Fear of losing Fear of losing ““itit””, work harder to protect , work harder to protect ““itit””ਵੈਡੋ� ਵੈਡੋ� ਜ� ਦੁ�ਸਤਿਹੁ ਲੇ�ਗ ਵੈਡੋ� ਵੈਡੋ� ਜ� ਦੁ�ਸਤਿਹੁ ਲੇ�ਗ ॥॥Those who seem to be great and powerful,Those who seem to be great and powerful,ਤਿਤਨ ਕਉ ਤਿਬਆਪ� ਤਿਚ-ਤ� ਰ�ਗ ਤਿਤਨ ਕਉ ਤਿਬਆਪ� ਤਿਚ-ਤ� ਰ�ਗ ॥॥੧੧॥॥are afflicted by the disease of anxiety. ||1|| - Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 188are afflicted by the disease of anxiety. ||1|| - Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 188

Downside to Downside to ““HappinessHappiness”” We get absorbed in the pleasuresWe get absorbed in the pleasures dondon’’t feel the need for Godt feel the need for God diverted from the spiritual path which diverted from the spiritual path which

leads to real happinessleads to real happinessਜ� ਸ�ਖੁ� ਤ�ਤਿਮਾ ਨ ਹੁ�ਈ ਜ� ਸ�ਖੁ� ਤ�ਤਿਮਾ ਨ ਹੁ�ਈ ॥॥where there is pleasure, there is no desire for God – Guru where there is pleasure, there is no desire for God – Guru

Nanak, SGGS p. 469Nanak, SGGS p. 469 We have to We have to ““innoculateinnoculate”” ourselves against these ourselves against these

negative effects of happiness ( negative effects of happiness ( ““sukh rog bhayasukh rog bhaya””) ) through Naam Simran and by remembering through Naam Simran and by remembering Waheguru in gratitude for His blessings.Waheguru in gratitude for His blessings.

Suffering Can Be the Suffering Can Be the MedicineMedicine

Suffering is not something one seeks (or should seek)

However, “bad things” will happen in spite of our best efforts

Easy to yield to anger, bitterness, depression Feel frustrated or helpless Blame others or blame God Alienate ourselves from the Divine

Presence within ourselves

Suffering Can Be the Medicine

Guru Ji shows us a better alternative In the face of misfortune, think of God

and lean on Himਦੁ�ਤਿਖੁ ਭਾ� ਤ�ਝੀ� ਤਿਧੁਆਈ ॥੨॥Even in pain, I will meditate on You. ||2|| - Guru Ramdas,

SGGS p. 757 Take your troubles to Him in the form

of prayerਜ�ਅ ਕ� ਤਿਬਰਥੇ� ਹੁ�ਇ ਸ� ਗ�ਰ ਪਤਿਹੁ ਅਰਦੁ�ਤਿਸ ਕਤਿਰ ॥When your soul is feeling sad, offer your prayers to the Guru.

ਛਾ�ਤਿਡੋ ਤਿਸਆਣਪ ਸਗਲੇ ਮਾਨ� ਤਨ� ਅਰਤਿਪ ਧੁਤਿਰ ॥Renounce all your cleverness, and dedicate your mind and body

to Him.. – Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 519

Suffering Can Be the Medicine

If we put ourselves in Waheguru’s hands relate to Him as a child to a parent put our faith in Him

He will take it upon Himself to take care of us.

ਅਉਖੁ� ਘੜੇ� ਨ ਦੁ�ਖੁਣ ਦੁ�ਈ ਅਪਨ� ਤਿਬਰਦੁ� ਸਮਾ�ਲੇ� ॥He does not let His devotees see the difficult times; this is

His innate nature – Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 682

He will either remove the cause of our suffering, or

He will give us the spiritual strength to cheerfully accept His Will.

Suffering Can Be the Medicine

As we approach our Divine Father with our problems as innocent, trusting children in this way, then even the most difficult of situations are not able to hurt us.

ਜ� ਕਉ ਮਾ�ਸਕਲੇ� ਅਤਿਤ ਬਣ� ਢੋ�ਈ ਕ�ਇ ਨ ਦੁ�ਇ ॥When you are confronted with terrible hardships, and no one offers

you any support,

ਲੇ�ਗ" ਹੁ�ਏ ਦੁ�ਸਮਾਨ� ਸ�ਕ ਤਿਭਾ ਭਾਤਿਜ ਖੁਲੇ� ॥when your friends turn into enemies, and even your relatives have

deserted you,

ਸਭਾ� ਭਾਜ� ਆਸਰ� ਚ�ਕ� ਸਭਾ� ਅਸਰ�ਉ ॥and when all support has given way, and all hope has been lost -

ਤਿਚਤਿਤ ਆਵੈ� ਓਸ� ਪ�ਰਬ:ਹੁਮਾ� ਲੇਗ� ਨ ਤਤ� ਵੈ�ਉ ॥੧॥if you then come to remember the Supreme Lord God, even the hot

wind shall not touch you. ||1|| Guru Arjan – SGGS p. 70

Suffering Can Be the Medicine

Praying to God when things don’t work out the way we would like: Reduces our sense of frustration and helplessness. Shifts our attention away from anger

One of the five cardinals “demons” within ourselves Anger can have a very destructive effect on the body,

mind and spirit. Prayer in the face of adversity protects one from

developing pathological responses to personal bad experiences

Instead, these negative experiences can actually help us to grow stronger spiritually

True Happiness

Guru Arjan on the experience of constant true happiness and peace of a Gurmukh

ਦੁ�ਖੁ� ਨ�ਹੁ� ਸਭਾ� ਸ�ਖੁ� ਹੁ� ਹੁ� ਰ� ਏਕ� ਏਕ� ਨ� ਤ� ॥ He has no pain - he is totally happy and at peace.

With his eyes, he sees only the One Lord.ਬ�ਰ� ਨਹੁ� ਸਭਾ� ਭਾਲੇ� ਹੁ� ਹੁ� ਰ� ਹੁ�ਰ ਨਹੁ� ਸਭਾ ਜ�ਤ� ॥੧॥ He does not see any one as evil - all are good. There

is no defeat - he is totally victorious. ||1||Guru Arjan – SGGS p.1302