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Principles

Science of Happiness
25.01.2020

Happiness is not just feel good experience but it is cognitive experience. It is state of the mind. The source of happiness differs person to person. The person derives happiness by satisfying bodily or sensory urge or by helping others. A few other people may have sadist attitude and may derive happiness by hurting others.
 
In fact, happiness is embedded in the person, which reflects after seeing the favourite objects. In case, body and mind is well trained and awareness goes deep to touch the original source of happiness, no object would be required for happiness. The engineering of mind requires training so that consciousness transmits happiness without the need of objects.  
 
When antakarana is purified and made satvika, psychic energy lifts to higher levels. This brings stability in mind and consequently happiness remains even in adverse circumstances.
 
(An article named as “Happiness to absolute bliss” was published on 31.08.2018 on my website-www.dnaofhinduism.com wherein principles of Medical Science, Positive Psychology and Patanjali Yoga Sutra have been discussed.)
The present article on Happiness is discussing on its determinants, levels of happiness and mind management techniques as under:-
 
Determinants of Happiness:
  1. Personal Factors: Health, genetics, age, income level, attitudes, self-esteem, time management, aspirations, addictions etc. Some people have optimistic nature, they seem much happier than others. Happy individuals can evaluate events (especially negative ones) in positive and productive ways. Unhappy individuals tend to dwell on the negative aspects of events.
  2. Social Factors: Family relationship, Social pressures, employment etc.
 
State of Mind & Happiness:
Constitution of mind may be Rajasic, Tamasic and Sattvic based past and current impressions which create traits, tendencies and cravings. This makes base level happiness of mind (Hedonic Treadmill theory discussed later).
  1. Satvika mind has virtuous attributes such as truthfulness, self-restraint (senses & mind), purity (in thought, actions & speech), Non-injury to others (in thoughts, actions & speech), simplicity (austerity & non accumulation of anything beyond needs), love, selfless service, compassion, freedom from enmity & let go (from thoughts, actions & speech), contentment, equality, balance & moderation in intake of anything and self-surrender to almighty.
  2. Rajasika mind has cravings to do actions for the fruits and enjoyment.
  3. Tamasika mind is characterised by lethargy, ignorance, madness, intoxication, addiction to women, impurity etc.
Levels of Happiness:
  1. Happiness derived from the five senses - lowest kind of happiness. This happiness is from the objects of five sense organs. In this kind of happiness, law of diminishing marginal return applies. As one takes more, the enjoyment reduces and repulsion starts. Example – eating pizza, rasogulla, seeing films, etc. Happiness in the object is in anticipation of great happiness. Once the experience is over, mind moves on to the next object. So, it is short term happiness.

As per the Hedonic treadmill, also known as hedonic adaptation theory of positive psychology, the spike in happiness or sadness due to positive or negative events in life, quickly return to base level of happiness set points. Each person has its own happiness set points. Hence, external events or objects alter our happiness level temporarily, and we quickly adjust back to a fixed emotional set point.
  1. Happiness derived from actions which completely absorbs mind – An activity which absorbs the mind is medium kind of happiness. This happiness is derived from activities such as playing musical instrument, singing bhajans or melodious song etc. The activity or object brings mind fluctuations (vritti) and thoughts (pratyaya) in orderly manner. The flow of mind becomes very orderly and absorptive. Even the activity is continued for long period, one does not feel tiredness. After the activity is over, the person feels great happiness and sense of fulfilment. As per positive psychology, engagement, positive relationship, meaning to life and achievements give medium term happiness.
  2. Happiness derived from Atman - As level of awareness enhances, the level of happiness increases. Despite having a large of objects of comforts, it is not necessary to be having fulfilling and long-term happiness. The level of awareness increases with the purity of mind, lowering distractions & developing calmness in mind, meditative mind etc.
According to Law of Hinduism, the primary source of happiness is Atman. Parmatama is called Sat-chit-ananda (Truth-Being-Bliss) and Atman is part of Parmatama. Whatever happiness is derived, it is from Atman. Actually, Atman is electrifying the sense organs through the mind and emotions. If mind is pure and satvika; happiness from Atman descends without the requirements of activity or objects of happiness. This is the precise reason, bliss descends in Samadhi. As the purity (in thought, speech & actions), truthfulness, satvika mind enhances, the orientation of mind turns into happy state.
 
Mind Management Techniques:
  1. Neuroplasticity is the ability of brain cell & its structure to change continuously throughout to the life of individual. Now modern scientists believe that intelligence and emotional quotients can be changed by the right training or input. Richard Davidson, a neuroscientist at the University of Wisconsin experimented on the effects of meditation on brain, in cooperation with the Dalai Lama. His results suggest that long-term or short-term practice of meditation results in different levels of activity in brain regions associated with such qualities as attention, anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and the ability of the body to heal itself. These functional changes may be caused by changes in the physical structure of the brain. As per the researches, regular physical exercise, healthy eating, listening music, intermittent fasting, learning musical instrument, creative artwork, dancing, sleeping, meditation, visiting places, developing new skills, etc. could bring changes in brain cells and structure.
  2. Neuroplasticity confirms the ancient Hindu Darshan fo “Patanjali Yoga Sutra”. As per Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama and Pratyhara are external limbs and Dharna, Dhyana & Samadhi are internal limb. External limbs bring positive changes in body and mind to increase discipline; balance of body-mind; purity, steadiness & calmness in mind etc. Internal limbs elevate psychic energy to higher levels to touch source of happiness.  
  3. Positive thoughts, compassion, engagement, meaningful activities and meditation reorient mind to improve emotional state of mind and brings calmness and concentration.
LIST OF ARTICLES PUBLISHED

135 Articles Published- CATEGORIES - Principles, Philosophy, Hindu Symbols & Customs, Puja System, Deities, Philosophers &Bhakts, Travel & Teeratha, Festivals, Stories - Wisdom, Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Ramcharitramanas.  


  1. Principles of Hinduism - 19
    1. The Holistic Approach for Self-Development – on 17.09.2017
    2. Principle of Social & Universal Development – on 05.01.2018
    3. What is Hinduism (two articles) – on 16.10.2017
    4. Evolution of life – on 21.02.2018
    5. Bondage of Soul – 2.3.2018
    6. Liberation of Soul – 10.03.2018
    7. What is God in Hinduism – 24.06.2018
    8. What is Moksha or Mukti – 08.07.2018
    9. Happiness to Absolute Bliss – 31.08.2018
    10. DNA & Soul - 06.04.2019
    11. What is Soul or Atman – the Experiencer or Existence or the Being - 29.06.2019
    12. ​Cosmology & Chemistry in Rig Veda - 17.08.2019
    13. Arpan, Tarpan and Samarpan - 25.08.2019
    14. Software in Brain and Hinduism - 19.10.2019
    15. Four Purushartha - Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha - 16.11.2019​
    16. Spiritual Significance of Samundra Manthan​ - 07.12.2019
    17. Science of Sufferings - 05.01.2020
    18. Science of Happiness - 25.01.2020

  2. Philosophy - 24
    1. Shad Darshan – on 30.11.2017
    2. Snatan Dharma – The Eternal Faith – on 30.11.2017
    3. Elements of Vedanta – on 30.11.2017
    4. Ashtang Yoga – A way to enlightenment – on 10.03.2018
    5. Jnana Yoga – Path of Knowledge – on 28.04.18
    6. Bhakti Yoga – on 09.05.18
    7. Karma Yoga –I am not doer – 05.06.2018
    8. Mantras – a key to Health, Happiness, Peace & Prosperity – 11.06.2018
    9. Nyaya Darshan – The logic & Spirituality – 28.07.2018
    10. Vaisheshika Darshan – The Atomic theory & Spirituality – 13.8.2018
    11. Vedanta Darshan or Brahma Sutra – key of Upanishads – 24.8.2018
    12. Patanjali Yoga Darshan –The Practical steps to Bliss & Powers – 08.09.2018  
    13. Samkhya Darshan – the wisdom & liberation - 21.09.2018
    14. Purva or Karma Mimansa Darshan – The Vedic Rituals - 28.09.2018
    15. Ashtavakra Gita – the Body, Mind & Jivatma - 12.01.2019
    16. Ashtavakra Gita – Spiritual Experience of Raja Janaka - 9.2.2019
    17. The Path of Moksha - Ashtavakra Gita - 09.03.2019​
    18. ​Ancient Texts in Hinduism - 04.05.2019
    19. Ashtavakra Gita – the Enlightenment or Spiritual Wisdom - 11.05.2019
    20. Ashtavakra Gita – the Liberated or Mukt Person    ​- 06.07.2019
    21. Life, Death, After Death & Rebirth - Garuda Purana - 07.09.2019
    22. Anatomy of Body & Atman - Garuda Purana - 14.09.2019
    23. Liberation from Cycles of Rebirth - Garuda Purana ​- 22.09.2019
    24. Yajnavalkya on Vedic Yajna or Fire-Sacrifice - 05.10.2019

  3. Hindu Symbols & Customs - 4
    1. Symbols – on 13.10.2017  
    2. ​Sanskars – the vedic rituals at each life stages – on 07.10.2017
    3. Hindu Traditions & Social Practices - 19.10.2018
    4. Hindu Traditions – Zenith of civilization - 30.03.2019
      ​
  4.  Puja System - 12
    1.  Puja – Beginning of Spiritual journey – on 09.10.2017
    2. ॐ – The AUM Mantra – 14.07.2018
    3. Gayatri Mantra – the seed of Bliss – 21.07.2018
    4. Yajna, Havan, Homa & Yagya – The Fire Rituals – 05.08.2018
    5. Chanting of Mantra – The practical aspects – 14.9.2018
    6. Why Prayer or Worship - 08.12.2018
    7. Act of giving - Charity, Donation or दान - 03.02.2019​
    8. Tantra – the Advanced Spiritual Science - 22.02.2019
    9. Yantra – the Energy Diagrams - 23.03.2019
    10. Emergence of Diverse Modes of Worship in Hinduism - 01.06.2019
    11. ​Fasting, Vrata (व्रत) & Upvas (उपवास) - 15.06.2019
    12. ​Tapas (तप्) (Penance or Austerity) - 13.07.2019
  5. Deities, Philosphers & Bhakts in Hinduism - 11
    1. Shiva – The Mahakaal – 07.10.2017
    2. Shiva Lingam – The Omnipotent – on 08.10.2017
    3. Bhagwan Vishnu – on 21.01.2018
    4. Avtars of Bhagwan Vishnu – on 21.01.2018
    5. Philosophers of Vaishnavism Movement – on 09.02.2018
    6. Vaishnava Bhakts – on 2.3.2018  
    7. Ashtavakra – the Self-Realised Saint - on 15.12.2018
    8. Jai Shree Hanuman – the Chiranjeevi - on 22.12.2018
    9. Jai Bajrangbali – Perfect combination of Power, Intellect & Devotion - 30.12.2018
    10. Shree Hanuman – the Sankat Mochan - 27.01.2019
    11. Emergence of various forms Deities in Hinduism - 16.03.2019
  6. Travel & Teratha - 6
    1. Shiv Dham – a way to moksha – on 08.10.2018
    2. Popular ancient Temples of Shree Vishnu & its Avatars – 09.02.2018
    3. Hindu Temples – The Charging Stations – on 21.02.2018
    4. Temples of Shree Hanuman - 13.04.2019
    5. Teerath or Pilgrimage in Hinduism & Divinity-08.06.2019
    6. Popular Temples in Hindustan - 10.08.2019
  7. Festivals in  Hinduism - 15
    1. Raksha Bandhan – on 09.10.2017
    2. Haryali Teej – on 09.10.2017
    3. Vasant (or Basant Panchami) – on 05.02.2018
    4. Gudi Padwa – on 17.03.2018
    5. Ram Navami – on 17.03.2018
    6. Baisakhi – on 31.03.2018
    7. Holi – Festival of Colours, love & Friendship – on 07.04.2018
    8. Makar Sakranti – – Festival of kites, bullfights & bonfires 07.04.2018
    9. Krishna Janamashtmi – Birthday of Shree Krishna – 21.04.2018
    10. Ganesh Chaturthi – Festival for wisdom & Prosperity – 21.04.2018
    11. Navaratri – Festival of victory of good over evil – 28.04.2018
    12. Vijay Dashmi or Dussehra – 09.05.2018
    13. Bhai Dooj – Festival of Brothers & Sisters – 06.05.2018
    14. Why Festivals –tool of celebrations – 19.08.2018
    15. Pitru Paksha (Shraddha)–a Period for departed Ancestors - 06.10.2018
       
  8. Stories – The wisdom -14
  • Story of Nachiketa & Yama – The Soul & Brahman – 17.06.2018
  • Story of Shukdevji & King Janaka – The detachment – 01.07.2018 
  • Samundra Manthan during journey of life - 27.04.2019
  • Story of Yajnavalkya, Janaka and 1000 cows - 31.08.2019
  • The stories of 24 Avatars of Bhagwan Vishnu - 28.09.19​
  • ​The Story of Atamdev and Dhundhukari - 12.10.19
  • Story of Gajendra Moksha - 27.10.2019
  • story of Namdev ji and Shri Vitdalnath ji. - 02.11.2019
  • The story of Kali and Parikshit - 09.11.2019
  • The Story of Ajamil - 25.11.2019
  • ​The Story of Namdev ji and a dog - 01.12.2019
  • ​The Story of Jad Bharata (जड़ भरत) and Deer - 14.12.19
  • The Story of Eknath Maharaj & a Muslim - 20.12.2019
  • ​The Story of Sati Anusuya - 28.12.2019
  • Story of Pundalik & Vitthal at Pandharpur-12.01.20

9. Shrimad Bhagavad Gita - 15
  1. ​Bhagavad Gita - Decision Making - 12.10.2018
  2. The Bhagavad Gita – the Karma Yoga - 26.10.2018
  3. The Bhagavad Gita – Creation & Dissolution of Universe - 02.11.2018
  4. The Bhagavad Gita – Path of Jnana Yoga (ज्ञान योग) - 12.11.2018
  5. The Bhagavad Gita – Path of Devotion & Bhakti Yoga (भक्ति योग) - 17.11.2018
  6. The Bhagavad Gita – the Dhyan or Raja or Kriya Yoga (राज योग / ध्यान योग) - 23.11.2018
  7. The Bhagavad Gita – the Sanyasa Yoga (सन्यास योग) - 01.12.2018
  8. The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita – Varnas or Caste-System - 05.01.2019
  9. Who is Ascetic (तपस्वी) - The Bhagavad Gita - 20.04.2019
  10. ​The Bhagavad Gita – the Karma Yogi - 20.01.2019
  11. Who is Almighty - The Bhagavad Gita - 17.02.2019
  12. Who is Demonic Person - The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita - 28.05.2019
  13. Who is Devotee (भक्त) - The Bhagavad Gita - 22.06.2019
  14. Who is Royal (Rajasica) Person - The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita ​- 21.07.2019
  15. Who is Person of Wisdom - The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita - 03.08.2019
10. Ramcharitra Manas -12

  1. Sri Ram Charitra Manas (Code of Spiritual Knowledge) – on 09.10.2017
  2. Who is Bhakt (Devotee) – 09,10,2017
  3. Bhakt v/s Gyani & Vairagi – 09.10.2017
  4. Bhakti (Devotion) – on 09.10.2017
  5. Gyan (Spiritual Wisdom) – on 09.10.2017
  6. Who is Happy Person – on 09.10.2017
  7. What is Maya (Illusion) – 09.10.2017
  8. Navdha Bhakti (nine forms of Devotion) – 09.10.2017
  9. Saint v/s Wicked – 09.10.2017
  10. Attributes of Saint (संत) – on 09.10.2017
  11. Who is Vairagi (Dispassion)
  12. Why chanting of Sunder-Kanda so popular - 27.07.2019

Lines of thought // topics

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