Finding True Happiness

Written by Patricia Zimmerman

Because of free will, God will not take anything away from you—not even your lessons. He may send people to guide or assist you, but He will not do the work for you. True answers are found only by looking within.

All of creation is governed by the law of duality. For every up, there is a down; for every plus, a minus. Every pleasure is balanced by an equal displeasure; every joy, by a corresponding sorrow. The greater the pleasure, the more intense the discomfort; the greater the happiness, the greater the potential unhappiness.

As humans, we desire happiness, yet we often struggle to release self-centered habits. Take the time to truly know yourself—your likes, dislikes, and boundaries. Boundaries are essential; without them, we lose our personal power.

Patanjali, the great spiritual master of India, taught that all humans seek to escape pain and attain happiness. Many search for worldly fulfillment while trying to avoid the disappointment that often accompanies it. By worldly fulfillment, Patanjali referred to three primary desires: the ambition for money, the desire to escape life’s pain through drugs or alcohol, and the pursuit of sexual satisfaction. These three delusions often govern humanity as if under a yoke.

Secondary to these are desires for power, fame, popularity, emotional excitement, and ego gratification. Many stumble through life unaware of why suffering persists, why worldly fulfillments are temporary, or why happiness can vanish in an instant.

The true purpose of our existence is to attain spiritual enlightenment, which requires going beyond all effort. Enlightenment is perfect peace, achieved only by removing every obstacle that stands in its way.

The most important step on the spiritual path is achieving perfect peace by calming the mind and mastering emotions. A calm mind is the key that unites the soul with God, offering a peace that cannot be shaken or destroyed (as exemplified by figures like the Dalai Lama).

Desires and attachments—cravings for physical pleasure, pride in accomplishments, or attachment to possessions—belong to the physical world, not the spiritual. To attain enlightenment, we must release these attachments and seek perfect peace. As Paramahansa Yogananda taught: “Desires, forever gratified, are never satisfied.”

True healing is self-mastery. It comes from understanding the inner causes of dis-ease and transforming your thinking, beliefs, and emotional state. True healing occurs when you choose not to recreate the same conditions, and when you embrace the power to change from within.

Blessings to you on your journey.