MADURAI: Today-March 20th 2025-is International Day of Happiness. To explain the significance of this day, an eminent author, litterateur and English language educationist who is based in New Delhi Dr.Birbal Jha had sent an important message to ‘Lotus Times’ media on how to feel a glow of happiness always by practicing the art and craft of loving and being loved.
“Loving others and being loved in return contributes to happiness. The fundamental question always is how can one achieve happiness? A common misconception is that wealth guarantees happiness. While money can provide certain comforts and convenience, it does not inherently ensure a joyful existence. True happiness originates from within,” Dr.Birbal Jha explains.
He cites the examples of Lord Buddha and American clergyman Henry Ward Beecher to understand what is happiness all about. “Lord Buddha emphasized in his teachings stating that genuine happiness does not stem from external sources of fleeting pleasures but rather from cultivating inner peace, ethical conduct and detachment from desires and attachments,” the Delhi-based thinker wrote in his article sent to ‘Lotus Times’ yesterday.
Similarly, Henry Ward Beecher aptly observed that “the art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” Another saying was also mentioned in his article by Dr.Birbal Jha and that saying goes like this “Sorrow shared is sorrow halves; Joy shared is joy doubled.”
AVOID EXCESSIVE EXPECTATIONS:
One of the significant barriers to happiness is excessive expectation, says Dr.Birbal Jha and adds that it leads to disappointment and discontentment. “The key to sustained happiness is to embrace life with acceptance, gratitude, contentment and tolerance. Happiness is a journey rather than a destination. It thrives in the present moment, in small joys, in human connections and in a balanced state of mind. We can unlock happiness by engaging in positive activities, nurturing relationships and fostering an attitude of gratitude,” the writer said.
DAILY HAPPINESS ROUTINE:
Dr.Birbal Jha had given his personal examples also on how he tries to maintain a happiness routine everyday. “I have cultivated a daily routine that nurtures both my body and mind. Each morning, it starts at Azad Park in Delhi NCR. Accompanied by nearly 20 walk-mates, we tread on walking tracks…we go beyond physical activity….and our gathering engages in collective spiritual and mental rejuvenation also. We begin with chanting of ‘Ram-Ram’ 108 times and that instils a deep sense of peace and tranquility. we have laughter sessions too, as a stress reliever and mood booster. We huddle together on park benches in light-hearted banter cracking jokes. It stimulates the mind and heart. True happiness must be cultivated from within. The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom and it says “Focus on your duty without worrying about the results. It is relevant today. While happy pills may provide temporary relief from mental anguish or depression, it does not offer real happiness. True happiness must be cultivated from within. Just like our physical well-being, we must also nurture our mental well-being to experience a lasting glow of happiness,” Dr.Birbal Jha, founder of British Lingua, wrote in his article for International Day of Happiness on March 20th 2025 and extended his best wishes to all.
