Science of Happiness

Science of Happiness
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.​