Real Happiness Comes Only from the Self

 

Photo Credit: DadaBhagwan.org

Real Happiness Comes Only from the Self

In the pursuit of happiness, most people turn outward - to possessions, achievements, relationships, or pleasures. While these sources may provide moments of joy, they are fleeting. Material happiness is transitory; it rises and falls with circumstances. True happiness, as Shivkrupanand Swamiji teaches in the tradition of Himalayan Samarpan Meditation, comes only from the Self. It is not dependent on the external world but flows naturally from within.

Swamiji explains that the Self is the eternal core of our being. It is untouched by the fluctuations of the mind and the ups and downs of life. When we identify with the body or the ego, happiness seems fragile, easily disturbed by success or failure. But when we rest in the Self, happiness becomes steady, radiant, and unconditional.

Meditation is the doorway to this inner joy. In Samarpan Meditation, the sadhak places the chitta on the sahastrar while surrendering to the Guru-energies. The restless mind quiets, ego dissolves, and the soul awakens. In this awakened state, happiness is no longer sought outside - it is discovered within. The bliss of the Self is not momentary; it is abiding, because it arises from pure consciousness.

Material joy, by contrast, is bound by time. A new possession excites us for a while, but soon the excitement fades. Achievements bring pride, but pride is fragile. Relationships bring comfort, but they can also bring pain. Swamiji emphasises that while material joys are part of life, they cannot provide lasting fulfilment. Only the Self can.

Unconditional Samarpan - complete surrender to the Satguru - is the key to transcending material joy and entering the bliss of the Self. Ego constantly seeks happiness outside, but surrender dissolves ego. When the sadhak surrenders fully, the Satguru’s vibrations purify the consciousness, allowing the Self to shine. In this state, happiness is no longer dependent on circumstances. It is the natural fragrance of the soul.

Meditation in collectivity deepens this experience. Surrounded by fellow sadhaks, the collective vibrations create a powerful field of silence. Ego, which thrives on separation, finds it harder to survive in this atmosphere of unity. The sadhak feels uplifted, supported, and guided into deeper joy. At the same time, meditation in solitude is equally important. Alone, the sadhak faces the subtle movements of the mind directly, surrendering them to the Satguru. Both collective and solitary meditation are essential for discovering real happiness.

Swamiji explains that real happiness is not an achievement but a rediscovery. It has always been present, like the sun hidden behind clouds. Meditation clears the clouds of ego and desire, revealing the radiant joy of the Self. This joy is silence, peace, and bliss. It is not affected by external noise; it flows from within, steady and eternal.

Ultimately, real happiness comes only from the Self. Material joys fade, but the bliss of the Self endures. Through unconditional surrender, meditation, and guidance of the Satguru, sadhaks can transcend external happiness and discover the inner sanctuary of joy. This is liberation - not escape from the world, but freedom from dependence on it. The sadhak lives in the world, but happiness flows from within, radiant and unshakable.