The four sources of happiness
- The transient pleasures that come from the world bear sorrows to come; not in them do the wise find joy.– Bhagavad Gita
The four sources of happiness are:
- Possessing—acquiring “things”, relationships, power, money, recognition
- Winning—being recognized as a “winner”, as being number one, or better than others
- Serving—serving or helping other people
- Transcending—replacing self-directed will with divinely inspired will, recognizing that today’s actions can possess a transcendent eternal value.
We can find some happiness at any of these levels. However, happiness experienced in the first two levels is gained from external sources. It always temporary and is like satisfying an addiction. Maintaining this happiness always requires “more.”Happiness resulting from the third and fourth levels comes from intrinsic sources—the fulfillment, happiness, and reward originate inside of us. Being dedicated to helping others gets us away from being the center of the universe, moves us from a selfish, self-centered lifestyle to an inclusive awareness of the needs and rights of all humanity. The highest level of happiness results when we realize our life has a transcendent spiritual value, that every decision/action we take builds our personal mosaic that is our part of that plan; that striving for higher values—having integrity, honor, compassion, forgiveness and loyalty—contributes more to our total well-being and depth of happiness than sacrificing values for short term gratification.
Prayer: My wonderful inner divine spark, my source of inspiration, power and peace, guide my thoughts words and actions this day; slow my thoughts, grant me peace and help me to be receptive to your leadings