Find Happiness in a Complex World
Effort, Knowledge, and Inner Purity are The Recipe for Happiness
Can happiness be attained in life without effort and knowledge?
To aspire for influential political positions, succeed in competitive government exams, or excel in other fields, relevant expertise and capabilities are indispensable. These are necessary for success to be achieved.
A pertinent example is when a young child, although not actively contributing, sees their desires fulfilled through the devoted efforts of parents and caregivers who willingly make sacrifices. They endure the hardships, ensuring that the child’s wishes are met.
This leads one to ponder that as long as a child relies on adults, their every whim is gratified. However, as the child grows into adulthood, circumstances change. This transformation occurs partly because, during childhood, an individual possesses inherent innocence.
They articulate their needs, and those around them fulfil them. But as one matures, a shift occurs from being a dependent child to becoming a self-reliant individual. This transition often introduces complexities and, sometimes, even cunning strategies.
This shift is where divine blessings may appear to wane. Poet Goswami Tulsidas, in his work Ramcharitmanas, underscores the purity of the mind and emphasizes straightforwardness over cunningness. This subtle analogy applies to our discussion.
In this context, if a person engages in prayer despite dire circumstances but harbours dark tendencies within, their life tends to remain mired in darkness, and they may continue to endure distress.
Even Ravana once proclaimed,
“Let not devotion be tainted by darkness.”
Therefore, it’s vital to recognize that mere engagement in prayer or worship while harbouring inner impurity will not necessarily lead to an improved life. The first and foremost criterion is inner purity.
The narrative underscores the significance of external actions and the internal state of being when striving for success, fulfilment, and contentment in life.
It suggests that progress and happiness often depend on a blend of effort, knowledge, and inner purity, much like the interplay of innocence and maturity in a child’s journey to adulthood.
