We spend our lives pursuing whatever we believe will make us happy – wealth, success, popularity, excitement or whatever, but even if we achieve any of these, we find that the pleasure is fleeting, and we still remain unsatisfied. Meanwhile, we find many reasons for unhappiness and suffering. We will look at what Gurbani has to say about achieving a deeper and more lasting happiness and how to apply it in our lives.

1. Pursuit of HappinessPursuit of Happiness
Vichaar – July 27, 2014Vichaar – July 27, 2014
Inder Mohan SinghInder Mohan Singh

2. Pursuit of HappinessPursuit of Happiness
 We spend our lives chasing “happiness”We spend our lives chasing “happiness”
 US Declaration of Independence even definesUS Declaration of Independence even defines
the pursuit of happiness as a basic human rightthe pursuit of happiness as a basic human right
 We strive for whatever we believe will make usWe strive for whatever we believe will make us
happy:happy:
 Wealth, success, fame, love, excitementWealth, success, fame, love, excitement

3. Pursuit of HappinessPursuit of Happiness
 But as we achieve any of these, we are stillBut as we achieve any of these, we are still
unsatisfied. Our needs grow or change.unsatisfied. Our needs grow or change.
 Often things donOften things don’t go our way in spite of’t go our way in spite of
all our effortsall our efforts
ਮਾਨਸ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਤ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਿਤਮਾਨਸ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਤ ਬਹੁ ਭਾਿਤ ॥॥
You may make all sorts of effortsYou may make all sorts of efforts
ਿਤਸ ਕੇ ਕਰਤਬ ਿਬਰਥੇ ਜਾਿਤਿਤਸ ਕੇ ਕਰਤਬ ਿਬਰਥੇ ਜਾਿਤ ॥॥
but these attempts are in vain.but these attempts are in vain.

4. Happiness and Suffering Are PartHappiness and Suffering Are Part
of Lifeof Life
ਸੁਖੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੁਇ ਦਿਰ ਕਪੜੇ ਪਿਹਰਿਹ ਜਾਇ ਮਨੁਖ ॥ਸੁਖੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੁਇ ਦਿਰ ਕਪੜੇ ਪਿਹਰਿਹ ਜਾਇ ਮਨੁਖ ॥
Pleasure and pain are the two garments given, to be worn in thePleasure and pain are the two garments given, to be worn in the
Court of the Lord.Court of the Lord.
ਜਤਨ ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਖ ਕੇ ਕੀਏ ਦੁਖ ਕੋ ਕੀਓ ਨ ਕੋਇਜਤਨ ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਖ ਕੇ ਕੀਏ ਦੁਖ ਕੋ ਕੀਓ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥॥
People make all sorts of efforts to find peace and pleasure, butPeople make all sorts of efforts to find peace and pleasure, but
no one tries to earn painno one tries to earn pain..
ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਿਨ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਹਿਰ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਹੋਇਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਸੁਿਨ ਰੇ ਮਨਾ ਹਿਰ ਭਾਵੈ ਸੋ ਹੋਇ ॥॥੩੯੩੯॥॥
Says Nanak, listen, mindSays Nanak, listen, mind:: whatever pleases God comes to passwhatever pleases God comes to pass..
||39||||39||

5. Ups and Downs
 Like a yoyo our emotional state
goes up and down, between
happiness and sadness.
ਕਬਹੂ ਜੀਅੜਾ ਊਿਭ ਚੜਤੁ ਹੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਜਾਇ
ਪਇਆਲੇ ॥
Sometimes, the soul soars high in the
heavens, and sometimes it falls to the
depths of the nether regions – Guru
Nanak, SGGS p.876

6. Ups andUps and DownsDowns
 We are constantly tossed around by the waves
 Bhaujal or stormy ocean of material existence or
Maya
 We experience a stream of ups and downs
 Is how we handle these situations that determines
our emotional state.

7. Two Kinds of Happiness
1. Transient, ups and downs
 Khushi, hasna / rona
 Happiness, pleasure, excitement or dissapointment, pain
 Externally oriented
 Need to transcend this kind of sukh/dukh
1. True happiness, constant, deeper
 Anand, Sehaj, vigaas, phool, chao, chardi kalaa
 bliss, peace, blossom forth
 Inner spiritual and mental state
 Aspire to achieve this kind of true happiness

8. Transcending Happiness and Sorrow
 Gurbani urges us to learn to treat happiness and sorrow
the same
ਸੁਖੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਦੋਨੋ ਸਮ ਕਰਿਰਿ ਜਾਨੈ ਅਉਰਿੁ ਮਾਨੁ ਅਪਮਾਨਾ ॥
One who knows that pain and pleasure are both the same, and honor and dishonor as well,
ਹਰਿਖ ਸੋਗ ਤੇ ਰਿਹੈ ਅਤੀਤਾ ਿਤਿਨ ਜਿਗ ਤਤੁ ਪਛਾਨਾ ॥੧॥
who remains detached from joy and sorrow, realizes the true essence in the world. ||1|| Guru
Teg Bahadur – SGGS p.219
 Look at both, including suffering, as gifts from
Waheguru
ਕਰੇਿਤਆ ਦੂਖ ਭੂਖ ਸਦ ਮਾਰਿ ॥
So many endure distress, deprivation and constant abuse.
ਏਹਿਹ ਿਭ ਦਾਿਤ ਤੇਰਿੀ ਦਾਤਾਰਿ ॥
Even these are Your Gifts, O Great Giver!

9. Strategies for True Happiness –
Naam Simran
 Naam Simran – leads to a state of equipoise and
Chardi Kalaa, transcending pleasure and pain
ਕਰਬੀਰਿ ਹਿਰਿ ਕਰਾ ਿਸਮਰਿਨੁ ਜੋ ਕਰਰਿੈ ਸੋ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਸੰਸਾਿਰਿ ॥ Kabeer,
whoever meditates in remembrance on the Lord, he alone
is happy in this world.
ਇਤ ਉਤ ਕਰਤਿਹ ਨ ਡੋਲਈ ਿਜਸ ਰਿਾਖੈ ਿਸਰਿਜਨਹਾਰਿ ॥੨੦੬॥
Protected by the Creator Lord, he shall never waver, here or
hereafter. ||206|| - Kabeer, SGGS pg.1375

10. Strategies for True Happiness –
Naam Simran
Sukh
Dukh
Happiness
Manmukh Gurmukh
Spiritual growth
Naam
Haumai

11. Strategies for True Happiness –
Lean on Him, Ardas
 Prayer, lean on Waheguru
ਊਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ਬੈਠਤ ਸੁਖੀਆ ॥
Rising up, I am at peace; sitting down, I am at peace.
ਭਉ ਨਹੀ ਲਾਗੈ ਜਾਂ ਐਸੇ ਬੁਝੀਆ ॥੧॥
I feel no fear, because this is what I understand. ||1||
ਰਿਾਖਾ ਏਹਕਰੁ ਹਮਾਰਿਾ ਸੁਆਮੀ ॥
The One Lord, my Lord and Master, is my Protector.
ਸਗਲ ਘਟਾ ਕਰਾ ਅੰਤਰਿਜਾਮੀ ॥੧॥ ਰਿਹਾਉ ॥
He is the Inner-knower, the Searcher of Hearts. ||1||
Pause|| - Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 1136

12. Strategies for True Happiness - Hukam
 Recognize and live in tune with His Hukam
ਿਤਸ ਕਰਾ ਹੁਕਰਮੁ ਬੂਿਝ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੋਇ ॥
Understanding His Hukam leads to peace and happiness – Guru Arjan,
SGGS p. 281
 Accept gratefully all that happens, both good or bad, as
His Hukam
ਜੋ ਤੁਧੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਸਾਈ ਭਲੀ ਕਰਾਰਿ ॥
Whatever pleases You is the only good done,
ਤੂ ਸਦਾ ਸਲਾਮਿਤ ਿਨਰਿੰਕਰਾਰਿ ॥੧੬॥
You, Eternal and Formless One! ||16|| Guru Nanak, SGGS p. 3
 Don’t remember God only when things go bad – not as spare
tire, but as steering wheel

13. Strategies for True Happiness - Gratitude
 Gratitude for all His blessings
 We often think of God only when things don’t
work out, or we feel we need something.
 He blesses us with so many things that we take
for granted.
 Just stopping to count all blessings, and thanking
Waheguru for them can be so uplifting

14. So Many Blessings to Be GratefulSo Many Blessings to Be Grateful
ForFor

15. Strategies for True Happiness –
Forgiveness - Let Go of Grudges, Anger
 As long as there is anger, hurt or a grudge
against any one, we cannot be at peace with
ourself, and true happiness eludes us
 We hurt ourself in body, mind and spirit
ਪਰ ਕਾ ਬੁਰਾ ਨ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਚੀਤ ॥
Do not harbor ill will towards others in your mind,
ਤੁਮ ਕਉ ਦੁਖੁ ਨਹੀ ਭਾਈ ਮੀਤ ॥੩॥
and you shall not be troubled, my brothers, my friends. ||3||Guru Arjan
SGGS p. 386

16. Strategies for True Happiness – Seva, Giving
 Recent survey - some of the happiest people in the
world are caregivers and volunteers in NGOs.
 Happiness comes more from giving than receiving
 Selfless seva, doing something for others can be more
fulfilling than any personal pleasure or consumption.
ਬਰਹਮ ਿਗਆਨੀ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰ ਉਮਾਹਾ ॥
The God-conscious being delights in doing good to others.
Guru Arjan – SGGS p. 273

17. Dukh Daroo Sukh Rog BhayaaDukh Daroo Sukh Rog Bhayaa
 We wish only forWe wish only for sukhsukh all the time, and to avoidall the time, and to avoid
anyany dukh,dukh, butbut
 Gurbani tells us happiness can be a curse,Gurbani tells us happiness can be a curse,
suffering a blessingsuffering a blessing
ਦੁਖੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਭਇਆਦੁਖੁ ਦਾਰੂ ਸੁਖੁ ਰੋਗੁ ਭਇਆ
Suffering can be the medicine, and pleasure the diseaseSuffering can be the medicine, and pleasure the disease

18. Downside toDownside to “Happiness”“Happiness”
 When things go our way:When things go our way:
 Haumai – I did it, deserved itHaumai – I did it, deserved it
ਹਉਮੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਿਲਿ ਿਵਰੋਧੁ ਹੈ ਦੁਇ ਨ ਵਸਿਹ ਇਕ ਠਾਇਹਉਮੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਨਾਿਲਿ ਿਵਰੋਧੁ ਹੈ ਦੁਇ ਨ ਵਸਿਹ ਇਕ ਠਾਇ ॥॥
Ego is opposed to the Name of the Lord; the two do not dwell in the same place. - Guru Amardas,Ego is opposed to the Name of the Lord; the two do not dwell in the same place. - Guru Amardas,
SGGS p. 560SGGS p. 560
 Arrogance, look down on othersArrogance, look down on others
 We see this even in the religious field – those achieving some progressWe see this even in the religious field – those achieving some progress
start actingstart acting “holier than thou”“holier than thou”
 Some become leaders or teachers and acquire disciples, but get caught upSome become leaders or teachers and acquire disciples, but get caught up
inin haumaihaumai themselves:themselves:
ਕਬੀਰ ਿਸਖ ਸਾਖਾ ਬਹੁਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਕੇਸੋ ਕੀਓ ਨ ਮੀਤੁਕਬੀਰ ਿਸਖ ਸਾਖਾ ਬਹੁਤੇ ਕੀਏ ਕੇਸੋ ਕੀਓ ਨ ਮੀਤੁ ॥॥..
Kabeer, he has made many students and disciples, but he has not made God hisKabeer, he has made many students and disciples, but he has not made God his
friend.friend.
ਚਾਲਿੇ ਥੇ ਹਿਰ ਿਮਲਿਨ ਕਉ ਬੀਚੈ ਅਟਕਿਕਓ ਚੀਤੁਚਾਲਿੇ ਥੇ ਹਿਰ ਿਮਲਿਨ ਕਉ ਬੀਚੈ ਅਟਕਿਕਓ ਚੀਤੁ ॥॥੯੬੯੬॥॥
He set out on a journey to meet the Lord, but his consciousness failed him half-He set out on a journey to meet the Lord, but his consciousness failed him half-
way.way.

19. Downside toDownside to “Happiness”“Happiness”
 Greed – want more and moreGreed – want more and more
 Harder to obtain real satisfaction or fulfilmentHarder to obtain real satisfaction or fulfilment
ਸਹਸ ਖਟਕੇ ਲਿਖ ਕਉ ਉਿਠ ਧਾਵੈਸਹਸ ਖਟਕੇ ਲਿਖ ਕਉ ਉਿਠ ਧਾਵੈ ॥॥
Earning a thousand, he runs after a hundred thousand.Earning a thousand, he runs after a hundred thousand.
ਿਤਰਪਿਤ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਪਾਛੈ ਪਾਵੈਿਤਰਪਿਤ ਨ ਆਵੈ ਮਾਇਆ ਪਾਛੈ ਪਾਵੈ ॥॥
Satisfaction is not obtained by chasing after Maya.Satisfaction is not obtained by chasing after Maya.
 Envy – compare with others who have moreEnvy – compare with others who have more
 Entanglement and anxietyEntanglement and anxiety
 Fear of losingFear of losing “it”, work harder to protect “it”“it”, work harder to protect “it”
ਵਡੇ ਵਡੇ ਜੋ ਦੀਸਿਹ ਲਿੋਗਵਡੇ ਵਡੇ ਜੋ ਦੀਸਿਹ ਲਿੋਗ ॥॥
Those who seem to be great and powerful,Those who seem to be great and powerful,
ਿਤਨ ਕਉ ਿਬਆਪੈ ਿਚੰਤਾ ਰੋਗਿਤਨ ਕਉ ਿਬਆਪੈ ਿਚੰਤਾ ਰੋਗ ॥॥੧੧॥॥
are afflicted by the disease of anxiety. ||1|| - Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 188are afflicted by the disease of anxiety. ||1|| - Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 188

20. Downside toDownside to “Happiness”“Happiness”
 We get absorbed in the pleasuresWe get absorbed in the pleasures
 dondon’t feel the need for God’t feel the need for God
 diverted from the spiritual path which leads to realdiverted from the spiritual path which leads to real
happinesshappiness
ਜਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਤਾਿਮ ਨ ਹੋਈਜਾ ਸੁਖੁ ਤਾਿਮ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥॥
where there is pleasure, there is no desire for God – Guru Nanak, SGGS p.where there is pleasure, there is no desire for God – Guru Nanak, SGGS p.
469469
 We have toWe have to “innoculate” ourselves against these negative effects“innoculate” ourselves against these negative effects
of happiness ( “sukh rog bhaya”) through Naam Simran and byof happiness ( “sukh rog bhaya”) through Naam Simran and by
remembering Waheguru in gratitude for His blessings.remembering Waheguru in gratitude for His blessings.

21. Suffering Can Be the MedicineSuffering Can Be the Medicine
 Suffering is not something one seeks (or should
seek)
 However, “bad things” will happen in spite of
our best efforts
 Easy to yield to anger, bitterness, depression
 Feel frustrated or helpless
 Blame others or blame God
 Alienate ourselves from the Divine Presence within
ourselves

22. Suffering Can Be the Medicine
 Guru Ji shows us a better alternative
 In the face of misfortune, think of God and lean
on Him
ਦੁਿਖ ਭੀ ਤੁਝੈ ਿਧਆਈ ॥੨॥
Even in pain, I will meditate on You. ||2|| - Guru Ramdas, SGGS p.
757
 Take your troubles to Him in the form of prayer
ਜੀਅ ਕੀ ਿਬਰਥਾ ਹੋਇ ਸੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਿਹ ਅਰਦਾਿਸ ਕਿਰ ॥
When your soul is feeling sad, offer your prayers to the Guru.
ਛੋਿਡ ਿਸਆਣਪ ਸਗਲ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਅਰਿਪ ਧਿਰ ॥
Renounce all your cleverness, and dedicate your mind and body to Him.. –
Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 519

23. Suffering Can Be the Medicine
 If we put ourselves in Waheguru’s hands
 relate to Him as a child to a parent
 put our faith in Him
 He will take it upon Himself to take care of us.
ਅਉਖੀ ਘੜੀ ਨ ਦੇਖਣ ਦੇਈ ਅਪਨਾ ਿਬਰਦੁ ਸਮਾਲੇ ॥
He does not let His devotees see the difficult times; this is His innate
nature – Guru Arjan, SGGS p. 682
 He will either remove the cause of our suffering, or
 He will give us the spiritual strength to cheerfully
accept His Will.

24. Suffering Can Be the Medicine
 As we approach our Divine Father with our problems
as innocent, trusting children in this way, then even the
most difficult of situations are not able to hurt us.
ਜਾ ਕਉ ਮੁਸਕਲੁ ਅਿਤ ਬਣੈ ਢੋਈ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਦੇਇ ॥
When you are confronted with terrible hardships, and no one offers you any support,
ਲਾਗੂ ਹੋਏ ਦੁਸਮਨਾ ਸਾਕ ਿਭ ਭਿਜ ਖਲੇ ॥
when your friends turn into enemies, and even your relatives have deserted you,
ਸਭੋ ਭਜੈ ਆਸਰਾ ਚੁਕੈ ਸਭੁ ਅਸਰਾਉ ॥
and when all support has given way, and all hope has been lost -
ਿਚਿਤ ਆਵੈ ਓਸੁ ਪਾਰਬਰਹਮੁ ਲਗੈ ਨ ਤਤੀ ਵਾਉ ॥੧॥
if you then come to remember the Supreme Lord God, even the hot wind shall not
touch you. ||1|| Guru Arjan – SGGS p. 70

25. Suffering Can Be the Medicine
 Praying to God when things don’t work out the way we
would like:
 Reduces our sense of frustration and helplessness.
 Shifts our attention away from anger
 One of the five cardinals “demons” within ourselves
 Anger can have a very destructive effect on the body, mind and spirit.
 Prayer in the face of adversity protects one from developing
pathological responses to personal bad experiences
 Instead, these negative experiences can actually help us to
grow stronger spiritually

26. True Happiness
 Guru Arjan on the experience of constant
true happiness and peace of a Gurmukh
ਦੁਖੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਸਭੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਰੇ ਏਕੈ ਏਕੀ ਨੇਤੈ ॥
He has no pain - he is totally happy and at peace. With his eyes,
he sees only the One Lord.
ਬੁਰਾ ਨਹੀ ਸਭੁ ਭਲਾ ਹੀ ਹੈ ਰੇ ਹਾਰ ਨਹੀ ਸਭ ਜੇਤੈ ॥੧॥
He does not see any one as evil - all are good. There is no defeat
- he is totally victorious. ||1||Guru Arjan – SGGS p.1302