Happiness is the main goal of life for most people—it guides their actions and motivates them to work hard and make sacrifices and compromises for an ultimately happy future.
Wealth is a source of happiness and we are happy when our income grows and we become richer. Spending money also brings happiness when we buy things we need or desire. But there is a vast difference between the two kinds of happiness.
When we earn, we become wealthier. That wealth is an asset at our disposal, to be used as and when required. An abundance of resources frees us from worry and gives us the leeway to pursue a career or activities of our choice while leading a comfortable life.
A well-to-do person is also in a better position to help those in need. Through charity, they can aid the needy and earn goodwill, respect and cooperation from others. All this brings immense satisfaction and a sense of achievement that lifts our spirits and brings more happiness.
In this way, the joy that comes from earning can be distributed and multiplied at the same time.
On the other hand, the happiness that comes from indulgence is tinged with a sense of loss and is short-lived. When we buy something that we do not really need, there is, at the back of our mind, the feeling that we have wasted money. The joy of having bought something we desired is tinged with a sober realisation of our lack of self-control.
Of course, not everyone feels such a prick of conscience. A lot of people seek happiness in the indulgence of all kinds. They get momentary gratification but end up feeling empty inside. This is particularly true of sensory pleasures.
Even the satisfaction derived from earning money is not everlasting. It comes to an end with death. Spiritual wealth is the only asset that can bring joy forever, even after death, over successive lives.
What is this wealth? The soul’s treasures are purity, peace, love, joy, truth, power and bliss. These qualities can be experienced when we are aware that we are souls, not bodies. The body is the physical medium through which the soul expresses itself. The above qualities are intrinsic to every soul. When we are aware of our spiritual identity and live accordingly, these qualities emerge from their latent state and we begin to experience them in our life.
Connecting with the Supremes Soul—an infinite source of these qualities—by remembering Him increases our stock of spiritual riches.
As we become more peaceful, content and stable inside, our level of happiness increases, and our attitude and behaviour change. A soul at peace with itself looks at others with peace, wishing them well regardless of who they are.
We may have experienced the subtle waves of peace that emanate from such a person and felt soothed and strengthened by it. This is how a spiritually enriched person is a source of comfort and support for others. In return, they earn goodwill and cooperation from others.
As a result, the life of such a person is easy and fulfilling. It is not as if they do not face challenges, but they remain light in difficult situations because of their positive approach, so they are not upset or depressed by adversity.
Our inner wealth of virtues and contentment can neither be robbed nor destroyed by anyone. Instead, the more we share it with others, the more it increases.
B.K. Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.