Happiness becomes fragile when it depends on achievements, approval, pleasure, or changing circumstances. The constant pursuit of happiness comes from an inner feeling of incompleteness and keeps the mind disturbed. True stability lies not in chasing pleasant experiences, but in maturity, understanding, and joy that arises from seeing life clearly without demanding comfort.
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Originally published in Deccan Herald on 24 feb '26
Look closely at what usually passes for happiness: A promotion, a holiday, approval, entertainment.
We are constantly told that the purpose of life is to be happy. It sounds harmless, and very few people ever question it. Yet hidden inside this advice is the seed of lifelong dissatisfaction.
The moment happiness becomes the goal, the mind also begins running from unhappiness. It starts moving in two directions at once, chasing one thing while trying to escape another. Slowly, the pursuit itself becomes the disturbance.
The one who is always chasing has already accepted something, though he may never put it into words: he believes himself to be incomplete. And a mind that feels incomplete cannot receive anything lasting. It may feel excitement or relief for a while, but it cannot settle.
