Self-Awakening

Author: Fu Peirong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: What is Happiness
Living in the world, people hope to pursue happiness, but what is happiness? Simply put, happiness is a psychological state that arises when one achieves the values they have chosen. Although this definition is clear, it can be further explained.
To achieve the values one chooses, one must possess vitality. Vitality manifests as desires—it is the will to live—but what does life entail, and how should one live? To answer this, we must choose certain values to strive for. If we achieve them, our consciousness and psychology will exhibit a certain state, which is then called happiness.
Physical and Mental Happiness
Let’s start with simple examples. For instance, if I am hungry, I choose to eat. If I successfully eat, it means I have achieved the value I chose, and afterward, I feel content. So, from hunger to eating, from thirst to drinking—these are easily attainable physical pleasures. However, such happiness comes quickly and fades just as fast, requiring constant repetition over time.
On the other hand, psychologically, I need others’ care. The first time I receive it, I feel happy, but afterward? I find myself needing increasingly more care. The values we choose in life are varied and abundant. For example, some choose to earn money, others to seek knowledge, and still others to serve the public. Each choice represents a value, and life itself is a process of realizing these values.
However, not all values are equally appropriate—some are less so. How, then, do we judge between what is and isn’t appropriate? This is also a question we must consider.
The Theory of Relative Suffering and Happiness
First, it must be explained: In the world, suffering and happiness are relative. As long as a person has feelings, they experience both suffering and happiness. If someone wishes for a life entirely free of suffering and only happiness, it is impossible in reality. Because any happiness must be conditional upon avoiding some form of suffering. If one cannot attain a certain happiness, the inability itself is a form of suffering. For example, if I am thirsty and want to drink but cannot satisfy that desire, I will suffer.
Thus, suffering and happiness are relative, and life inevitably involves both. However, people seem to have grown accustomed to pursuing happiness because it is, after all, a fundamental demand of life. Consequently, suffering is often perceived as a burden. Since ancient times, wise individuals in both religious and philosophical circles have sought methods to alleviate suffering.