The Royal Road to Happiness:
A Guide to True Contentment
“Happiness is the greatest paradox in Nature. It can grow in any soil, live under any conditions. It defies the environment. It comes from within; it is the revelation of the depths of the inner life as light and heat proclaim the sun from which they radiate.”
These words capture the essence of happiness as something more profound and elusive than mere pleasure or contentment. As we explore the various facets of happiness, it becomes clear that it is an internal state, a byproduct of living a life in harmony with high ideals and selfless love.
The Nature of Happiness
Happiness is not a product of external circumstances. It is an inner glow, a state of being at peace with oneself. Wealth, fame, and power do not guarantee happiness, as illustrated by the life of Prince Bismarck, who despite his many achievements, confessed he never experienced a single day of true happiness.
Happiness is the soul’s joy in the possession of the intangible. It coexists with trials and sorrows, rising above conditions. Unlike gratification, satisfaction, contentment, and pleasure, which are mere imitations of happiness, true happiness is the satisfying of the soul, not just the mind or body.
Gratification, Satisfaction, and Contentment
Gratification is a harmony between desires and possessions, but it is always incomplete. It may be part of happiness but is not happiness itself.
Satisfaction is the perfect identity of desires and possessions. However, it is temporary as new desires emerge, leading to dissatisfaction and progress.
Contentment is often overrated. It is a form of despair, a settling for less, and can deaden the drive for progress. True contentment should be seen as a station, not a destination, always seeking to improve oneself.
Pleasure vs. Happiness
Pleasure is temporary and can exist even when conscience protests, while happiness is continuous and comes from a peaceful attunement of life with noble standards. True happiness is an incidental by-product of an unselfish life, not something that can be bought or directly pursued.
The Foundation of Happiness
The basis of happiness is love – that is love for others, for humanity, or a great life work. It is the voice of optimism, faith, and simple, steadfast love. Cynicism and pessimism are antithetical to happiness, as they focus on the negative and distrustful human nature.
The Royal Road to Happiness: Four Key Elements
- Consecration: Dedicating one’s life to the service of others and noble missions. It involves being unselfish, kind, loving, and helpful.
- Concentration: Simplifying life, focusing on essentials, and having a great purpose. It brings calm, rest, and a serene, unified approach to life.
- Conquest: Overcoming evil habits and rising above challenges with unwavering faith. It involves mastering oneself and maintaining integrity despite temptations.
- Conscience: Using one’s conscience as a guide, seeking its approval, and living in accordance with high ideals. It is the highest earthly tribunal, the voice of the Infinite.
Practical Steps to Build Contentment
- Be Worry-Free: Manage anxiety by being proactive and shelving troubles when necessary.
- Accept Responsibility: Make thoughtful decisions and stand by them, aligning actions with thoughts and words.
- Think Positive: Find the good in people and situations, maintaining a positive attitude.
- Stifle Jealousy: Control your life by turning envy into motivation for personal achievement.
- Forgive: Let go of hate and control your reactions to maintain inner peace.
- Extend Kindness: Engage in acts of kindness, especially to animals, to improve your happiness index.
- Appreciate: Count your blessings daily and find joy in simple things.
- Socialize: Spend time with happy people to influence your own happiness.
- Expect Change: Accept and adapt to changes as a natural part of life.
- Stay Healthy and Happy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle as happiness contributes to longevity.
Happiness is not an end but a journey of living selflessly and in harmony with high ideals. By focusing on consecration, concentration, conquest, and conscience, and adopting practical steps to build contentment, we can navigate the royal road to true happiness.