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Understand that permanent happiness lies only within ourselves.

(Excerpts from Ma’s Q & A session during the 5th Global Bhagavad Gita Convention themed ‘Mental Harmony’)

Q: We all live in a very materialistic and object driven world. How do we realize that this object driven world will not give us lasting happiness?

Ma: We have to introspect deeply in every situation. Our intelligence has to be purified and enlightened. When intelligence is applied, it throws light into the situations, showing us that there is no permanent happiness in anything in the world.

Bhagavad Gita says (5.22) that all the sensory happiness are “आद्यन्तवन्त:” (ādyantavantaḥ) and “दु:खयोनय:”(duḥkhayonayaḥ)-they are transitory and are wombs of misery. When we get happiness, there is an anxiety and fear of losing it, which does not allow us to enjoy it fully, because deep down we know that this happiness will not be there forever. It also says  “न तेषु रमते बुध:” (na teṣu ramate budhah), the Wise-one does not indulge in these.

So, does this mean we are not to enjoy the objects of the world? Not at all! Do whatever you like but in a moderate manner, and more importantly, understand that permanent happiness lies only within ourselves. With this knowledge, interact in the world but remain anchored inward, where you will be truly happy and full.

– Vicharasethu–July 2022