What Makes People Happy?

Good health and some money in the bank are just some of the things that you need to live joyfully.

I’ve lived a reasonably contented life. I’ve often thought about what it that makes people happy is — what one has to do in order to achieve happiness.

First, and foremost, is good health. If you do not enjoy good health, you can never be happy. Any ailment, however trivial will deduct something from your happiness.

2. A healthy bank balance. It need not run into crores, but it should be enough to provide comforts and there should be something to spare for recreation — eating out, going to the movies, travel and holidays in the hills or by the sea. Shortage of money can be demoralising. Living on credit or borrowing is demeaning and lower’s one in one’s own eyes.

3.  Your own home, Rented places can never give you the comfort or security of a home that is yours for keeps. If it has garden space, all the better. Plant your own trees and flowers and see them grow and blossom and cultivate a sense of kinship with them.

4.  An understanding companion, be it your spouse or a friend. If you have too many misunderstandings, it robs you of your peace of mind. It is better to be divorced than quarrelling all the time.

5.  Stop envying those who have done better than you in life — raised higher, made more money, or earned more fame. Envy can be very corroding; avoid comparing yourself with others.

6.  Do not allow people to descend on you for gup-shup. By the time you get rid of them, you will feel exhausted and poisoned by their gossip-mongering.

7.  Cultivate a hobby or two that will fulfil you — gardening, reading, writing, painting, playing or listening to music. Going to clubs or parties to get free drinks is a criminal waste of time. It’s important to concentrate on something that keeps you occupied. I have family members and friends who spend their day caring for stray dogs, giving them food and medicines. Others run mobile clinics, treating sick people and animals free of charge.

8. Every morning and evening, devote 15 minutes to introspection. In the morning, 10 minutes should be spent in keeping the mind absolutely still, and five minutes in listing the things you have to do that day. In the evenings, five minutes should be set aside to keep the mind still and then to go over the tasks you had intended to do.

9.  Don’t lose your temper. Try not to be short-tempered, or vengeful. Even when a friend has been rude, just move on. To carry on and live reasonably well, you don’t have to be rich or socially up there — good health and financial stability are important, but there has to be focus.

The Secret Of Longevity

What I enjoy is solitude. I’m fortunate that I can spend a lot of time by myself. It is very beneficial to be alone. The mind gets enormous amounts of rest, and a day’s silence gives you more energy. If you keep your mind blank for a while — and this is the sole purpose of meditation  — you can enjoy solitude and you’ll find it empowering. The fact is, I get up at 4 O’clock in the morning and I sit in Silence for two hours and thinking and writing.