Volume-XII, Issue-II, March 2026 |
Pursuit of Happiness from the perspective of Vedānta. Sipra Pal, Research Scholar, Dept. of Sanskrit, Sido Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka, Jharkhand, India |
Received: 13.03.2026 | Accepted: 16.03.2026 | Published Online: 31.03.2026 | Page No: | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.12.issue.02W. | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
The pursuit of happiness is one of the fundamental aspirations of human life. According to Vedānta philosophy, true and lasting happiness cannot be obtained through external objects or temporary pleasures; rather, it lies within the realization of the true nature of the Self (Ātman). Vedānta teaches that human beings constantly seek happiness in material possessions, relationships, and worldly achievements, yet these sources provide only momentary satisfaction. The central idea of Vedānta is that the individual self (Ātman) is identical with the ultimate reality, Brahman. This realization forms the essence of spiritual liberation (mokṣa). Ignorance (avidyā) causes individuals to identify themselves with the body and mind, leading them to believe that happiness is dependent on external conditions. As long as this ignorance persists, human beings remain trapped in the cycle of desire, attachment, and suffering. Vedānta explains that genuine happiness is not created but discovered. It already exists in the nature of the Self, which is described as sat–cit–ānanda (existence, consciousness, and bliss). When a person realizes this inner nature through knowledge (jñāna), self-discipline, meditation, and detachment, the illusion of separation between the self and Brahman disappears. At that stage, one experiences permanent peace and bliss. The teachings of the Upaniṣads and later Vedāntic thinkers emphasize that the path to true happiness involves self-inquiry, ethical living, and spiritual wisdom. Instead of running after fleeting pleasures, individuals are encouraged to cultivate inner awareness and understand their divine essence. Through such realization, the seeker transcends worldly sorrow and attains lasting fulfillment. Therefore, from the Vedāntic perspective, the ultimate pursuit of happiness is not a search in the external world but a journey inward toward the realization of the Self. This philosophical insight offers a profound and timeless understanding of human happiness and spiritual freedom. | ||
Keywords: Vedānta, Happiness, Ātman, Brahman, Sat-Cit-Ānanda, Mokṣa, Avidyā, Self-Realization, Upaniṣads, Spiritual Philosophy. |