“It’s
a state of mind,” our Marathi teacher said while explaining a set of definitions
of happiness. She remained our Marathi teacher during the entire high school
period. Being a major language in our curriculum, we had to work extra for
Marathi. The Marathi teacher also made sincere efforts to teach us the subject
with similar zeal during every session. She was well read. Her vocabulary was comprehensive
and the way of teaching was precise. She would elaborate even on a simple word,
a short phrase or a minor theme. Many a time we got bored, but she never lost
her patience as she knew the necessity of the detailed explanation. Even today,
I can distinctly recollect her words. Every so often she used to say, “A human must
treat a human like a human.” We did not understand the essence of her words at
the tender age and often found them funny. Apart from details of the subject, Marathi
lessons taught us some of the vital values of life too. I realised this as I
grew up and came across a number of situations which narrated the same teachings.
Happiness was one of the topics discussed at various levels during high school,
particularly class 10. As I got enrolled in medical college and entered a
domain of contest, I got practical lessons on some of the aspects of happiness which
our Marathi teacher explained. Situations were diverse and so were our
reactions. A few of us searched for happiness in creation, but many of us were
happy to be admirers of those creations. Some colleagues found happiness in
trivial occurrences, while a few of them remained unmoved even with the greatest
achievements. A popular verse from ‘Manache Shlok’ by Saint Ramdas Swami says-
“Who is the happiest of them all, only you can search for it for yourself, O my
mind.” On introspection, one may realise that no one is wholly happy. Everyone
seems to be continually searching for bigger and more than what is attained or
received; often least realising that one can certainly try and find happiness
in smaller or lesser accomplishments too.
Apart
from a state of mind, happiness is also about a way to look at things. Even
with sincere and honest efforts, success or fulfillment may sometimes remain
out of reach. Such circumstances leave us with no option than to accept the
outcome and be content. During such situations, less pain or less
dissatisfaction is often acknowledged as happiness. At times one expects more
than what is deserved and feels unhappy when the prospects fall short. Usually,
we don’t value or perceive things when they bless us with happiness in real
time; we rudely overlook or ignore them. We may realize our errors and regret,
but only when the moment is gone.
It
is true that many happy moments are hidden within material gain, yet they
cannot match the joy of giving. The desire for worldly-wise pleasures is not
inappropriate, but greed is. To overcome the state, several affluent families
opt for philanthropy, which certainly adds to the happiness already acquired
through materialism. Many well-to-do individuals practice a minimalist approach
after attaining a certain altitude in personal or professional life. If
compared with the present day, life in the olden days appears simple, humble,
yet happy. With modernisation, the world has become self-centred. The modern
world tends to amass pleasures, but seems to shed the ethos of sharing. The
selfish view has parted us from our near and dear ones and friends. The digital
revolution might have brought the world closer in technological terms, yet the
warmth is missing.
In an attempt to achieve more in a shorter span, the ambitious world forgets to take a break or enjoy some moments of leisure and usually finds itself lost and alone in distressing chaos. Recreation and rejuvenation are vital for refreshing our minds and for improved performance. One must draw a line to be content and experience true happiness.
It’s tough to eke out a living,
