Buddhism shows the way to happiness

by R.M.S.K. Rajapaksha

According to Buddhism economic welfare is a pre-requisite for happiness. However, Buddhism does not recognise the progress achieved through economic gain as real if it is devoid of a moral foundation. Accumulation of wealth is thought to be the sole purpose in most of us. This goes counter to Buddhist teaching.

Buddhism has been recognised by many as a practical religion in which pragmatic and effective solution is offered to everyone in their day to day encountering issues. It teaches a set of ethics which has to be practised here and now, everyone is benefited here and now through practice. Everyone is invited to have a look (ehi passika) and understand by having examined and scrutinised it, if anybody is within the reach, they can proceed. It is hard to see such a liberty is offered in comparison to other world religions and such a greater transparency is witnessed in an unprecedented scale. Here we are making an attempt at looking at issues that we are encountering presently and see how viable approaches are to be made in Buddhist perspective in solving issues. Out and out Buddhism talks about perfect happiness, mental peace, tranquility and freedom which we lack in the contemporary society.

In the present world, people are encountering so many problematic illnesses both physically and mentally since they engage in unending accumulation of wealth, their needs are unlimited, satisfaction is rarely found in them. Consequently, so many therapeutic specialists are consulted in order to heal their ailments both mentally and physically.

This phenomenon is mushrooming equally in the West as well as in the East. Seemingly, people’s ailments are reported all over the world in unprecedented scale. The consultation of Buddhist teaching has been greatly felt than ever before. Innumerable examples are scattered in what the Buddha teaches in His doctrine as a way out of this problematic situation.

In the Karaniyametta Sutta, mention is made of “sallahukavutti” which can be translated as “light livelihood” and it further mentions as “appakicco” ie. of few duties. If one were to spend a light livelihood and that person is less likely to encounter both mental and physical ailments as he is free of stress and mind is very pleased and not troubled at all. As a result, the person finds peace and happiness fully. Some spend their life with full of miseries and unattained wishes and needs. Consequently, they will get hurt in this life itself and the life after. If someone leads a simple and contended lifestyle which is shaped by Buddhist principles, it will bring happiness and satisfaction in this life and hereafter. Apparently, some Buddhists may not utilise these principles in their day-to-day work. As a result, they get hurt incessantly both physically and mentally. So, we can term this type of Buddhists as nominal Buddhists. The Buddha said once, “santhutti paramam dhanam”. Happiness is the greatest asset that one possesses. Despite the fact that many have wealth in abundance but happiness is no longer with them. Their happiness disappears as they strive to safeguard what they have accumulated in abundance. It does not mean that material progress is denied altogether by Buddhism. Material accumulation is needed for anyone to survive. But it has to be earned by knowing one’s own situation.

Buddhism speaks of things as they are (yathabhuta). Hence, many have a wrong impression of Buddhism. The reality of nature cannot be hidden. It has to be understood and encountered one way of the other. What Buddhism does is that things are told and explained as they are.

Evidently, people are somewhat reluctant to accept the true nature or the true aspect of life. Buddhism is the only philosophy which speaks of the true nature of phenomena besides science.

Two well-known Buddhist texts called ‘Theragatha’ and ‘Therigatha’ are best examples of joyful utterances of the Buddhist disciples who found peace and happiness in life through the Buddha’s teaching.

King Kosala, one of the Buddha’s close associates, once told the Buddha that unlike followers of other philosophies, the Buddha’s disciples are joyful and elated (hattha-pahattha), jubilant and exultant (udaggudagga), enjoying the spiritual life (abhiratarupa) with faculties pleased (pinitindriya), free from anxiety (appossukka), serene (pannaloma) peaceful (paradavutta) and living with a gazelle’s mind (migabhutena cetasa) ie. light hearted. According to the king, the healthy disposition of the disciples was due to the fact that disciples have realized the utilized well the teaching of the Buddha.

The Piti or joy is one of the seven factors of enlightenment or Satta Bojjanga which is essential or indispensable factor in the realization of the Nibbana as well.

Buddhism speaks of four kinds of happiness which is essential for leading an ordinary family life. The first happiness is to enjoy economic security or sufficient wealth acquired by just and righteous means (atthi sukha). Frankly speaking, atthi sukha is essential for ordinary house holders. Happiness naturally arises in them as they are secured with the wealth they have. Second happiness (bhoga sukha) is the spending of wealth of on meritorious deeds. The third happiness if to be free from debts (anana sukha) which is a very important concept in the modern world. Most of us raise loans but fail to return them. Hence, unexpected troubles may come. One has to remember that repaying loans is a must for happiness. The fourth happiness is to lead a pure life without committing evil deeds (anavajja sukha). By following these three principles alone you could generate happiness satisfaction in your life.

According to Buddhism economic welfare is a pre-requisite for happiness. However, Buddhism does not recognise the progress achieved through economic gain as real if it is devoid of a moral foundation. Accumulation of wealth is thought to be the sole purpose in most of us. This goes counter to Buddhist teaching.

Another set of principles the Buddha taught is contained in the five precepts or Panca sila. The precepts help people to lead a trouble free lives.