By Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar┃Posted: August 23, 2018
Once a gentleman came to a doctor complaining that something was severely wrong with him. He was hurting all over and was very sad but all the tests came out normal. The doctor said, “There is nothing wrong with you. Go to the circus and watch the clown there. He will make you laugh.” The gentleman said, “Doctor, I am that clown.”
It’s one thing to entertain others and be humorous, but quite another to be happy yourself. Happiness does not come from a talent or skills that you develop. Unless you realize who you are and what the nature of consciousness is through your own introspection, happiness remains a far-fetched reality. The spirit of self-inquiry in the true sense, which leads to meditation, is absolutely essential in this quest for happiness.
Detachment and connection
The 6th-century Indian philosopher and thinker Adi Shankaracharya has said that it’s dispassion towards the ephemeral and connection with the eternal that brings true joy. In fact, he goes further and asks, ”What joy does detachment not bring?”
The word for solitude in Sanskrit is ‘ekant,’ meaning ‘the end of loneliness.’ Loneliness cannot end by changing company, even if the new companions are more sympathetic and understanding. It can only end when you discover your real nature for yourself.
Robin Williams, though he made millions of people laugh, could not end the deep-seated loneliness inside him. This shows clearly that only spiritual solace can take you out of despair and misery. External pomp and show, wealth, admiration, and adulation are not helpful in dealing with inner discontent.
While alive, he made people laugh and in his death, he gave people a message to lift their eyes above the mundane towards something higher. You can bid goodbye to misery by connecting with an altogether different dimension, which I’d say is solidified silence, a bolt of bliss, and a glimpse of eternity, which is in you as you. You simply have to tap into it.
Spiritual knowledge: the manual for life
There’s little use in having a machine which you cannot operate without a manual. Spiritual knowledge is like the manual for life. Just like to drive a car, we have to learn how to operate the steering wheel, the clutch, the brake, and so on. To move towards the stability of the mind we must know the basic principles about our life force energy. This is the whole science of pranayama. When our prana or life force keeps fluctuating, our mind also goes up and down through the roller coaster of emotions.
One cannot handle the mind from the level of the mind. It’s for this reason that although counseling or psychiatry seems to help in the beginning, it’s unable to provide a complete cure in the long term. Just forcing positive thoughts on oneself is not enough and more often than not leads to a relapse. Medications, such as anti depressants, also seem to help only in the beginning and eventually make the person dependent on them rather than freeing him/her from the tendency.
The secrets of breath and service
This is where knowing the secret of breath can really transform lives. Breathing techniques like SKY Breath Meditation (Sudarshan Kriya®) stabilize our life force and, consequently, the mind. The inner dimension, unveiled by the practice of meditation, deeply enriches us and its impact slowly spills over to all aspects of life. As prana rises in the body, one starts to feel a transformation as a direct experience and not as a forced mental exercise. One starts becoming happier, more creative, and increasingly in command of the mind and emotions.
Another thing that can be really helpful in coming out of depression is developing an attitude of service. Think ‘what can I do for society,’ and get involved in a bigger cause. These two changes can shift the whole focus of life and take one out of the rut caused by the question ‘what about me?’
Societies with ingrained values of service, sacrifice, and community participation don’t have these issues of depression and suicide. The Sikh community is a great example.
Life’s a combination of happiness and pain. Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. Having a broad perspective on life gives you the strength to move forward through painful times. Know that you’re very much needed in this world. With all its infinite possibilities, this life is a gift. It can become a fountain of joy and happiness, not just for oneself, but for many others as well.
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Editor’s note
Happiness through meditation
Millions around the world have benefitted from SKY Breath Meditation, a program created by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, which improves physical and mental health. SKY practitioners have reported more optimism, joy, and life satisfaction while experiencing less stress, better sleep, healthier blood pressure, and improved immunity. Researchers have also found SKY reduces both clinical and non-clinical depression and anxiety, as well as being helpful in overcoming trauma and addictive behaviors.
Click on the image below to attend a free introduction to SKY Breath Meditation, and learn why millions worldwide use SKY for MORE HAPPINESS!
