18/06/2024
"Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside."* - Ramana Maharshi
This profound quote by Ramana Maharshi challenges our usual way of thinking about happiness. We often chase after external things - possessions, achievements, or validation - believing they will bring us lasting joy. But Maharshi suggests true happiness isn't something to be found, it's something to be rediscovered.
Our natural state is one of contentment and peace. However, our minds become caught up in thoughts, desires, and worries, which cloud this inherent happiness. Maharshi teaches that by turning inwards, through practices like meditation and self-inquiry, we can remove these veils and experience the ever-present happiness that is our true nature.
This inward journey isn't about ignoring the world or becoming emotionless. It's about finding a stable peace within ourselves that allows us to navigate life's joys and sorrows with equanimity. When we are rooted in this inner happiness, we can experience a deeper sense of fulfillment in all aspects of our lives.
So, how can we tap into this inner wellspring of happiness? Ramana Maharshi advocated for self-inquiry, asking ourselves the fundamental question "Who am I?" This persistent questioning cuts through layers of identification with thoughts, emotions, and the physical body, revealing the unchanging Self that is the source of true happiness.
Remember, the journey to rediscover your inherent happiness is a lifelong process. But even small steps of self-awareness and introspection can bring us closer to experiencing the peace and joy that lies within us all.
