What Is the “Pursuit of Happiness”?

In keeping with the theme of happiness, our Dharma team has had a lot of conversation about this quality of life, and one that escapes so many people.  As referenced in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, this describes the right to pursue what makes one happy rather than a guarantee to the right of happiness. Neither case is actually true, though, since one’s pursuit of happiness may be counter to moral and legal laws. We discovered one of the most succinct and profound perspectives that has to do with understanding the difference between one’s life and one’s life situation as written in Michael Singer’s book, The Untethered Soul.  One’s life situation is everything that is external and thereby subject to change, such as relationships, health, job, family, nation, finances, education, etc.; everything that outwardly influences one’s worldview. We understand this concept as distinct from one’s life, which can reflect the qualities of love, compassion, wisdom, kindness, and selflessness, of which happiness is a result or byproduct. True happiness. Deep, meaningful happiness that is not pursued; rather is experienced moment-to-moment regardless of what happens with one’s life situation. If you depend upon your life situation in pursuing happiness, this could lead to a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of what is true. See if this makes sense for yourself and may your life be filled with wisdom and joy and happiness!