Secrets of Spiritual Happiness
Why is Happiness So Elusive?
By Sharon Janis
Play this chapter in realplayer audio 
Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so?
There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.
- Drew Carey
There is so much suffering in this world; many people don't seem to be as happy as they'd like to be. Those who don't have enough are struggling just to survive, while those who have all the comforts of life may find themselves becoming self-absorbed, spoiled, or worried about losing what they have. Many people are living frantic lives, with little time available for simpler pleasures, such as appreciating the beauty of nature, sharing blessed moments with loved ones, or quietly enjoying the peaceful throb of being alive.
Instead, large multitudes are rushing through cities and towns around the globe, getting themselves in all kinds of messes. Some are trying to dig their way out of financial debt, while others are making arrangements for a marriage or a divorce - or perhaps a second or third marriage or divorce. Parents are speeding home from work so they can get the kids to ballet class on time, in between the football tryouts and the cheerleading practice -- driving here and there, and perhaps picking up some bags of fast food on the way home. Many find themselves barely making it through each day in time to get a few hours of sleep before getting up to do it all again. With so much to do, who has time to find happiness?
Even those who seem to have all that a good life can offer can find themselves far from the happiness they seek. Abd Er-Rahman III, Sultan of Spain in the tenth century, spoke of the elusiveness of happiness while describing what one would think to have been among the happiest of lives:
"I have now reigned about 50 years in victory or peace, beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation, I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot. They amount to fourteen."
Several years ago, I learned an intriguing lesson about the nature of happiness while editing a video commercial about a discount store in one of the poorest areas in Southern California. Most of the customers interviewed for this video were Mexican immigrants who barely got by on minimal wages. These were not the kind of elegant or well-dressed folks that you'd usually see on a commercial. Some of them were way overdue for a haircut, while others could have used some heavy-duty dental work. The video production crew had approached these customers on their way in or out of the store, and asked them to share their thoughts about having a place where they could purchase second-rate clothes and home goods for a fraction of what they'd have to pay in larger stores.
What struck me most was to see how many of these folks were simply, genuinely, and sincerely happy. You could see it in their faces. You could feel the sincerity of their happiness, as these humble immigrants beamed big, beautiful smiles, in spite of a few missing teeth here and there. You could imagine many of them going home after a hard day's work, spending time with their families and friends, and celebrating their simple lives while knowing they are loved. Obviously, each one had their own individual stories, but from their faces, I could catch a glimpse into their challenging but happy lives.
It was striking for me to see such bright faces in contrast to all the producers and technicians working with me on the video. Here we were, being paid quite well with fairly cushy jobs, and none of us had nearly as bright and happy faces as these so-called "poor" folks!
Money can buy the husk of things, but not the kernel. It brings you food but not appetite, medicine but not health, acquaintances but not friends, servants but not faithfulness, days of joy but not peace or happiness.
--Henrik Ibsen
Ultimately, happiness is elusive due to misguided ideas about what happiness truly is, and how it can be nurtured. After all, how many of us have really contemplated what happiness is? We put so much time and effort - first into years of schoolwork, and then into toiling long hours for our households and workplaces. Yet, how much time have we actually put into contemplating what thoughts and actions will create greater happiness in our lives and in the world? When is the last time you really sat quietly and contemplated what happiness means to you?
In fact, when I was first asked to write this book, an old, forgotten, curmudgeonly, monastic mindset inside of me became somewhat annoyed, thinking, "Happiness? Happiness? What do I have to do with happiness?!? I'm an ascetic! I'm too busy being spiritual to bother with being happy!"
Along with this bit of monastic curmudgeonry, I was also very happy to be asked to write about such a beneficial and fruitful topic. I'd had the blessing of spending time with a number of very happy spiritual beings - including my two spiritual guides, or gurus, who had shown me that spiritual attainment can indeed come along with great happiness.
As my contemplations and preparations for this book continued, I also began to recognize more clearly that happiness is, and has always been, right inside my heart and soul, as it most certainly also exists fully inside of you. This is the level of happiness that I want to unfold with you in this book.
