Enduring Happiness

Dr. Sanjaya Gajurel

Happiness is a nuanced and diverse phenomenon that can differ from individual to individual and even change throughout different stages of life. Throughout history, numerous theories and perspectives such as hedonism, eudaimonia, subjective well-being, psychological well-being, and others have emerged in an attempt to comprehend and elucidate this concept. In our day-to-day lives, there is often a tendency to conflate pleasure and glamour with happiness, which is further fueled by the media highlighting these aspects. While money, fame, and material possessions can provide pleasure and temporary satisfaction, they do not guarantee lasting happiness.

Enduring happiness is a state of mind that involves a sense of overall well-being and contentment. While financial stability, harmonious relationships, and good health can contribute to happiness, enduring happiness is a deeper and more complex state that arises from within ourselves. It involves a holistic approach to well-being that encompasses our mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.

Social Darwinism, advocated by Herbert Spencer, applied Darwinian principles to human societies, suggesting that competition and conflict among individuals or groups would lead to societal progress and well-being. Darwinian (evolutionary) economics, as an interpretation of Darwin's theory, seeks to draw connections between the competitive dynamics within capitalism — an economic system characterised by private ownership and free markets — and Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection, which emphasises concepts like "survival of the fittest" and the "struggle for existence." 

Unfortunately, Social Darwinism has been used to justify imperialism, racism, eugenics, and social inequality at various points in history spanning over a century and a half. Although competition has shown its capacity to promote efficiency and innovation within a limited timeframe in our modern world, it is crucial to recognise that it can also give rise to negative outcomes such as income inequality, market failures, and social hardships that are apparent in our society. As a result, it is vital to adopt a critical mindset when approaching these concepts and take into account broader social, ethical, and moral considerations when evaluating their impact on spiritually conscious human societies and their quest for well-being and happiness.

Advocates of capitalism contend that it can contribute to happiness through facilitating economic progress and offering individuals opportunities for upward mobility and material prosperity. They propose that capitalism's emphasis on individual freedom and the pursuit of self-interest enables people to fulfill their ambitions and desires, thereby fostering satisfaction and happiness. However, studies conducted in the realm of positive psychology have demonstrated that factors such as positive relationships, personal growth, autonomy, gratitude, and a sense of purpose and engagement in life also play significant roles in overall happiness.

The opening verse of the Isha Upanishad introduces the notion of eternal happiness as "renounce and enjoy". This concept of minimising wants through renunciation is closely intertwined with the principle of non-attachment. By reducing our desires and attachments to material possessions, social status, and external circumstances, we can attain a profound sense of contentment and inner tranquility. 

While the presence of regulations and social safety nets in most modern societies can assist in alleviating some of the adverse effects of capitalism, it is equally important to cultivate an inclusive and fair society that empowers individuals. This can be achieved by implementing policies and initiatives that ensure equal opportunities for education, healthcare, and other vital services. Additionally, measures aimed at promoting social mobility and dismantling systemic barriers are essential in creating an environment where all members of society can thrive and succeed. Enduring happiness involves cultivating positive emotions, nurturing meaningful relationships, pursuing personal growth and fulfillment, and finding a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives.