The Value of Happiness

Our minds wander constantly in search of happiness. And in reality, everything we do is for our own happiness and the happiness of our loved ones. It simply highlights the value of happiness in our lives.

What do we do for happiness?

We seek happiness in a favourite gadget, or by enjoying delicious meals with loved ones at a famous restaurant, or by visiting a tourist spot. We give surprise gifts to make others happy, we give expensive presents, and we chat with family and friends – all for the sake of happiness. Sometimes, we serve society in whatever way we can – again, for their happiness and our own. Practising mindfulness and meditation, gardening, playing favourite games, listening to music, and watching movies are some common ways people use to feel happy. And there’s so much more we do to satisfy our hunger for happiness. Even after doing everything and having everything, if there is no happiness, everything seems pointless. This is the value of happiness as well as its importance; it is priceless. That’s why, for this invaluable attainment, no price seems too high.

The Sacrifices We Make for Happiness

For a child’s happiness, a father will even go without food to fulfil their wishes. A mother happily sacrifices her sleep for her child’s happiness. Similar examples are often seen in close friendships, husband-wife relationships, and many other relationships.

People earn money, strive to maintain good health, accumulate resources, and constantly try to build new and healthy relationships with new people. What is the intention behind all these things? – Happiness… happiness… and more happiness… Such is the value of happiness.

What does History say about the Value of Happiness?

Even in ancient epics, there are numerous examples where people made seemingly impossible vows for the happiness of their loved ones and lived by them until the very end. That’s because they understood the true value of happiness. Devavrata, one of the most important characters in the Indian epic Mahabharata, vowed to remain celibate for life for his father’s happiness and strictly adhered to this vow until his death. Shravan Kumar, a famous character from the Ramayana, known for his devotion to his parents, set out alone on a pilgrimage, carrying his blind parents on his shoulders in a palanquin, all for their happiness. Indian philosophy offers many such examples. Looking at Western countries, we find numerous examples like Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and Harriet Tubman, who dedicated their lives to the collective good.

Conclusion

‘Happiness’ – which has no tangible form. It cannot be stolen, nor can it be stored away like a reserve fund for the future, nor can it be brought from the past and experienced in the present. That’s why its essence lies only in the present moment. However, based on past experiences, we are able to understand the value of happiness more deeply in the present and strive to increase happiness in future events with that same perspective.

No matter how wealthy someone is, trying to measure even a single drop of happiness by staking all their wealth would prove costly, while for a very poor person, it can be easily and readily available.

In reality, no one can put a price on this priceless treasure. It is invaluable. Isn’t it?

Points to Ponder

• What are the most important things in my life? Do they add value to my happiness?
• Could we measure the true value of happiness in terms of materialistic achievements-perhaps in terms of money, resources, positions, etc.?
• What was the happiest moment of my life? What caused it to be tagged as the happiest moment? Was it material or non-material?