Significance of Happiness
Happiness, as defined across various cultural and philosophical frameworks, encompasses a profound state of emotional well-being. In Buddhism, it signifies an elevated state of contentment, while Hinduism associates it with goodwill expressed during sacrificial rites. Jainism emphasizes a contrasting state of unhappiness, and South Asian perspectives illustrate happiness as fulfillment after achieving desires. Various traditions, including Shilpashastra and Vaishnavism, link happiness to enjoyment, art, and spiritual liberation. Ultimately, happiness is portrayed as a multidimensional experience shaped by emotions, relationships, and spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Joy, Contentment, Pleasure, Delight, Satisfaction, Cheerfulness, Elation, Wellbeing, Exuberance
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Happiness'
In Buddhism, Happiness encompasses a state of Sukha, emotional well-being, and joy derived from living in accordance with the Dhamma. It contrasts with distorted joy, promotes future contentment, and highlights the goal of Buddha’s teachings.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A benefit derived from the offerings made by Suppavasa, suggesting future joy in life.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A state of joy and contentment that arises from living in accordance with the Dhamma.[2]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A positive emotional state characterized by pleasure or contentment derived from beneficial experiences.[3]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A kind of pleasant feeling that accompanies joy, contrasting with disturbance or unrest.[4]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A state of well-being and contentment that is a goal of the Buddha’s teachings.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Describes the distorted sense of joy experienced by the immoral man, which is deemed impure and unenjoyable by wise individuals.[6] (2) A state enjoyed by Che-p’o-lo, characterized by joy and fulfillment throughout his successive lifetimes.[7] (3) Sukha; a state of wellbeing or joy that is asserted to be irrelevant to the nature of the atman.[8]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A state of emotional well-being described in the text, which surpasses any other form of contentment as expressed by the narrator.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Happiness'
In Hinduism, Happiness encompasses well-being, joy, and contentment derived from sensory enjoyment, divine blessings, and realization of unity, often linked with devotion, art, and the eternal, sorrow-free nature of spiritual fulfillment.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The emotion that Lord Krishna experienced as a result of his actions and interactions with the cows.[10] (2) The emotional state or feeling of contentment and joy mentioned as the outcome of the actions described.[11] (3) The positive emotional state attained by Rukmi and Rukmini after discarding their prior unhappiness.[12] (4) The fulfillment and joy experienced by the gopis as a result of Krishna's presence and activities.[13] (5) A desired state of well-being that is sought for Radha and the gopis.[14]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The emotion expressed by Bhagavan, marked by the repetition of greetings and sentiments of joy.[15] (2) The state of enjoyment or joy that follows the attainment of desires.[16] (3) The feeling of joy experienced by Shri Gopa-kumara as a result of the interactions with Lord Shiva and Uma-devi.[17] (4) a state of contentment; in this context, it refers to the limited joy attained through spiritual liberation.[18] (5) Happiness in this context is associated with the enjoyment derived from engaging with sense perceptions, free from inherent suffering.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The initial emotional state of the devotees that was affected by the Lord's departure.[20] (2) A state of fulfillment that Duryodhana could not achieve due to his misunderstandings and lack of devotional service.[21] (3) The emotional state associated with joy, referenced in relation to the term prasada in the context of spiritual fulfillment.[22] (4) A state of joy and contentment that the kings failed to achieve due to their disconnection from devotional service.[23] (5) A positive emotional state characterized by feelings of joy and contentment, as experienced by the devotees.[24]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A state of joy or contentment that is produced by the presence of positive emotional elements, such as karuna-rasa in literature.[25]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A state of well-being and contentment that Yudhishthira wishes to understand how to obtain.[26] (2) An emotion or state of well-being, which is hindered by mistrust and betrayal.[27] (3) A desired state for the king, which is questioned given certain actions and circumstances in his rule.[28]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A state of contentment discussed by both the grey lag-goose and hen-cakravaka, focused on the quality of affection and loyalty in relationships.[29] (2) A state of well-being and contentment that is sought through virtuous actions and customs.[30]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The feeling described as attainable through contentment and eschewing avarice.[31]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A state of joy or contentment that Sita is considered worthy of, contrasting with her current plight of entering the forest.[32]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Refers to the concept of saukhyam derived from sukha through the addition of the suffix shyan.[33]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The state Devas and Danavas wished to attain by abandoning fighting.[34]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A state of joy and contentment, free from sorrow or grief.[35] (2) An emotional state that is seen as derived from realizing the unity within Cinmatra.[36]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Happiness is the state attributed to the world by Brahman, which is Rasa, providing a sense of fulfillment despite the world's inherent lack.[37]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A state of well-being or pleasure that is closely associated with the concept of Bliss in the discourse.[38]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The ultimate state of well-being that can be achieved through dispassion and realization of one's true nature.[39]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The desired emotional state potentially achieved through the careful selection of wood for cots and seats.[40] (2) An emotional state often linked with positive characteristics seen in physical features.[41]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A state of joy and contentment that arises from relinquishing all desires.[42]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A state of well-being and contentment aimed to be achieved through spiritual practices.[43]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A verbal manifestation of prosperity and goodwill exchanged in the sacrificial rites, indicating the shared intentions of the participants.[44]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A state of being satisfied or content; highlighted as unattainable regardless of presence or absence.[45]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) The emotional state related to the derivation and expression of art, as indicated by the term kala.[46]
Jain concept of 'Happiness'
In Jainism, Happiness is interpreted as a state of well-being and contentment, standing in contrast to unhappiness, which is signified by the term adhriti. It emphasizes inner peace and fulfillment.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A state of well-being and contentment, often contrasted with unhappiness, represented by the term adhriti.[47]
The concept of Happiness in local and regional sources
Happiness encompasses a state of well-being and contentment marked by joy and satisfaction, influenced by personal relationships, resolution of conflicts, understanding life’s limitations, and achieving desires, as illustrated in various contexts throughout the text.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) One of Maupassant's well-known tales, representing a straightforward love story that explores themes of love transcending material challenges.[48] (2) A state of well-being and contentment, characterized by feelings of joy and satisfaction.[49] (3) Represents a state of joy and contentment, which the poet seeks to instill in others.[50] (4) A state of mind attained through understanding life’s limitations and developing a proper perspective towards material desires.[51]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The state of contentment experienced by the man after successfully manifesting his desires using the pills.[52] (2) The emotion expressed by all involved after the resolution of the blame and punishment.[53] (3) The emotion experienced by Podi-Appu and the soothsayer as they spend time together, indicating their positive relationship.[54]