Janna · Aug 29, 2026
QUESTION 03: WHY IS IT SAID THAT SEEING TRUTHS WILL LEAD TO HAPPINESS?
ANSWER: Happiness is an elusive concept, impossible to define with precision. At times, it manifests as a fleeting and shallow sense of joy and excitement. Other times, happiness is a state of peace, a refuge from the struggles of managing or coping with life's challenges. It may arise as a deep sense of self-satisfaction after making the right choices amidst the chaotic interplay of right and wrong. For some, happiness is the profound stillness experienced during meditation or, ultimately, the absolute state of Nirvana (Nibbāna).
Happiness is inherently a consequence of morality; where there is morality, happiness follows. When we live with kindness and compassion, helping others along the way, we accumulate good karma that rewards us with lasting peace and contentment.
Happiness also stems from a wise, insightful, and thorough understanding of life. When favorable circumstances arise, happiness is the ability to remain humble, avoiding complacency or conceit. When facing adversity, happiness lies in reasoning our way out of sorrow and despair. When we see others excel, happiness emerges through genuine admiration rather than envy. When encountering someone less capable, happiness is the impulse to guide and support rather than judge or despise.
We carry many debts of gratitude in life, obligations we may never fully repay, yet happiness is found in the resolve to never forget them. Similarly, when confronted with enmity, choosing not to seek revenge is a powerful source of happiness. By observing the phenomena of society and nature and understanding their underlying causes, we attain a profound sense of happiness through wisdom and clarity.
While most people cling to their egos, leading to endless troubles and suffering, we take a different approach: learning to restrain the ego and embrace the principle of non-self (anattā)—that is happiness.
While many pursue high-paying jobs, we prioritize a career that serves the community most effectively—that is happiness. While others find joy in receiving, we find joy in giving. While many delight in being respected, we find true joy in respecting others. While some seek pleasure in fleeting thoughts, we discover happiness in the stillness of meditation. While many feel lost amidst life's complexities and chaos, we find clarity and peace by letting the Law of Karma guide our path.
Written by:
Janna
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