New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) Is it possible to engage in a profound dialogue about happiness itself, and can a sort of formula be established for those in pursuit of it? Poverty is a significant hardship, and physical ailments can also rob one of joy. However, aside from these challenging circumstances, the roots of unhappiness can be traced back to the 'past', the 'present', and even the anticipated 'future'.

One cannot simply erase the memories of one's past, especially when they are linked to what one perceives as 'sinful actions'. Generally, individuals attempt to suppress these memories by adopting a 'cause and effect' reasoning to shift the blame. Nevertheless, the weight of the past undeniably affects long-term happiness.

No two individuals are entirely alike, as their past, present, and future are filled with unavoidable variables.

A person is defined by their unique attributes of 'head' and 'heart' in the present, and cannot assume the perspective of another.

When it comes to the future, it is relevant to happiness as it encompasses fear, anxiety, hope, expectation of outcomes, and the level of self-assurance one has when facing uncertainties—all of which contribute to its unique variations.

Happiness is rightly linked to a 'sense of peace' and 'well-being' at any moment in life. It resides in the mind, and attempting to quantify it through purely physical and physiological metrics does not tell the whole story.

Religions have consistently associated happiness with a state of enlightenment, suggesting that enduring joy comes from the spiritual domain, while conventional happiness is tied to fleeting 'moments'.

As previously noted, 'poverty' and physical 'illness' can extinguish happiness, yet outside these confines, it becomes apparent that a blend of 'awareness' and 'acceptance' serves as a potent means to achieve that 'sense of peace' and feeling of 'well-being' which are fundamental to happiness.

Recognizing that not everyone was 'born with a silver spoon', and that despite one’s best efforts, even top performers may not reach the same goals due to uncontrollable factors, fosters a smoother 'acceptance' of what spiritual teachings often refer to as 'destiny'.

Embracing one’s 'duty', striving without the 'fear of failure', and avoiding greed, envy, and malice are crucial to achieving self-satisfaction, which cultivates mental 'peace' and a sense of 'well-being'—the true markers of happiness.

Is there a way to gauge the extent of one’s happiness? Happiness is a state of fulfillment—it either exists or it does not. There is no such thing as being 'half happy'. While there may be lifestyle hacks for perpetual happiness, true happiness has physical, emotional, and spiritual components unique to each individual, limiting the effectiveness of a universal approach.

It is undeniable that a reflective mind can cultivate that rare blend of 'awareness' and 'acceptance' that leads to a sense of peace and well-being—the core of happiness. There is no 'medicine' for happiness, aside from some hormonal adjustments when needed. Although lifestyle changes are beneficial, activating the 'happiness button' is not straightforward.

The Indian tradition has long valued spiritual teachings that outline a value system for achieving peace and self-satisfaction, but this does not equate to a guaranteed path to happiness. A guide to meaningful living is always worthwhile, yet it does not promise happiness.

Happiness is a mental state characterized by clarity, adherence to values, and the readiness to take responsibility when circumstances do not unfold as expected—these attributes facilitate the right mix of 'awareness' and 'acceptance'. In today’s age of Artificial Intelligence, new business tools, products, and knowledge creation methods emerge, but they also underscore the value of 'imagination', a gift of nature bestowed on the human mind, not on machines.

'Machine learning' lacks imagination. The recent Nobel Prize in Physics awarded for AI research serves as a reminder that excessive reliance on AI could potentially lead to 'apocalypse'.

It is ironic that a pinnacle of scientific achievement might pave the way for catastrophe if mismanaged. This may suggest that happiness is found in endeavors that are beneficial to humanity at large. The principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' ('the Earth is one family'), advocated by wise sages, encourages a compassionate outlook towards others, thereby fostering happiness.

The essence of happiness is preserved as a thought and is brought closer to reality when it becomes a daily practice. One must learn to 'eliminate' negative thoughts to create this continuum.

Utilizing time wisely contributes significantly. This is why the Gita’s call for engaging in 'Nishkama Karma' (selfless duty) is a life philosophy that promises inherent happiness. There is a simplicity to the concept of happiness—while academic exploration is valuable, it must recognize that human experience is deeply individualistic and that beliefs about happiness are widely varied, making it challenging to establish universally applicable criteria for a 'happy' life.

'Good deeds' are a well-recognized source of happiness, as are qualities like kindness, helpfulness, and commitment to one’s duties. Achievements through legitimate means are certainly vital to happiness, but equally essential is how others perceive you as a person.

Happiness is both a sense and a feeling, enhanced by the qualities you exhibit in your interactions with others. You need not be a 'saint' to experience happiness; it suffices to live without regrets, acknowledge life’s beginnings and endings, and hold a belief that karma influences your position on the happiness spectrum.

Ultimately, it boils down to your feelings at the end of the day, reflective of your actions throughout.

Happiness manifests in moments—the more of these moments you can weave together, the greater the likelihood of sustaining it.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau)