Shaivism Today Soul Speak ( 6 ) Everyone wants Happiness

Everyone wants to be happy.This is a simple observation. One, that has been noted throughout time,and as the scientists would quip, this is a fact that has 'tested positive' for all beings of the world!

The mystics go a step further; Divine intention is simple,
they teach; God created, so that all of creation may be happy. And the 'Truth' about the purpose of life,is to find abiding happiness. We want to be happy.The very expression betrays that it is not so (yet). We want to remain happy,that is,even if we find ourselves having a good time, it doesn't last for long,and the world becomes an ocean of sadness again.

So,what has gone wrong? Let's take a look at what gives us pleasure. A promotion, a new car, a date with 'that someone you really like', a delicious meal, exciting clothes, that enrapturing concert, a heavenly landscape, and so much more. But you only have to scratch the surface of these moments, for a closer view,and strange as it may seem, none of them turn out to be the cause of happiness.
I repeat, by themselves,none of them are more than 'neutral events' . They are not all complete,without an important participant- You.
A delicious meal is good, yes ,but when you're hungry,not if you're already stuffed! A promotion is great,but only when you know,its because your ability has been acknowledged,and not for some other motive or compulsion. A new car sounds cool!but what of that nagging anxiety about repayment of loan schedule? Not to talk of the disaster an exciting date can eventually turn out to be if it is not founded on ethical sanctity.
So your appetite,your mood,your inner knowing,these matter more than the object or event at hand. It is quite clear,that for your joyous occasion,your common denomination is required. And if, of course,this is obvious, so silly then, that we went wrong where we were looking, when we looked outside! Hmm...

Clearer still,should be the understanding,that integral to your happiness,is, your knowing of your Self. And what is this"Know Thyself"? How does one come to such knowing? You have begun by noting that in order to enjoy something,your senses have to be okay, and tuned on.
For example,the heavenly landscape wont do anything for you, if you've lost your eyesight.So it is not the object that is responsible,but neither is the physical organ of sight the cause of elation.It is something more. To enjoy looking at snow capped mountains,you must like inwardly,what you are viewing. Suppose you like playing in casinos instead? What if you are inwardly thinking of the great games you missed at Las vegas? You are not going to be happy then,are you? Conversely, someone else,who loves mountains,might find himself stuck in a casino,feeling life's burden as the dealer deals out a hand...

Happiness,then,is something deeper than the outer object, more inward than even the five senses. Contentment,as they say,is a state of mind. So,we are talking of perception.And here comes the problem! Since,even the mind is fickle,the source of lasting joy that we are speaking/seeking of, must surely be even beyond mind. And we move to the inner spirit,the higher Self. Our seers have tracked this for us,dexterously,with Sadhana and Tapasya, Ruhaniyat and spiritual rapture. Out of their mystic vision and meditative insight have they proclaimed with authenticity and authority ' The art is to revel in your Self,your innermost,the core, the ever existent,never changing,where,even the mind is stilled in awe: Your essence,which is,but the essence of God residing in you.' In the east,we call it Atman.

There is no joy greater than experiencing your Self,no joy greater than knowing that which enables you to know.That,which is knowledge itself. It's inherent nature,is joy,because,simply,it is in union with God all the time! If we are able to become conscious to this happy state that has always been, we then re-cognize that it is our own light whence all happiness emanates, And we shall have fulfilled the purpose of our individual lives,we shall have arrived.
But this is not the end,awakening is only a beginning!
Buddhas,spend the rest of their lives fulfilling all of life. This is the design for the unfolding of man's veiled Divinity. Practice makes perfect, and there are a number of different spiritual ways leading to the one summit of the
Self -illumined state. You may begin with what suits your present attainment and spiritual temper, but begin now! You may take a cue from brother scientist's penchant for "positive test",and practise positivity! By the way,it has given me gratifying happiness in reminding you of the sameness that rests within you,waiting for your centering.
( This article was first written in  2001)Shail Gulhati is the Author of the books :SHIVA, The Ultimate Time Traveller.
The Yogi and the snake
Shiva Poetry
NAAM ROOP- A Tribute to the Divine
And Life Said.