Dr. A. K. Merchant*
Viewing the wretched condition of the world, the lamentable circumstances from which vast multitudes are unable to gain relief should be the cause of much unhappiness to every person of goodwill. This is true for the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’i Faith. The large-scale erosion of values in human life in recent years is most sickening. From the dark ages of widespread barbarism, it has taken thousands of years for present-day society to build morality, ethics and human dignity. The march of civilization from nomadic tribes to city-states, empires and sovereign nations organized as the United Nations, now longing for planetization of humankind, has been tortuously marked with progress and peace, during different historical periods, in different parts of the planet.
Imbued with a sense of optimism, Bahá’ís fully understand that the devastation and destruction that one witnesses everywhere, with many nations in perpetual conflict or at war; the daily instances of violent situations due to dysfunctional behaviour of individuals or lawlessness stemming from failure of governance systems; do not represent the true nature of human beings. The Universal House of Justice, supreme governing council of the Bahá’i Faith, explains: “If the web of relationships alluded to above is to take shape and give rise to a pattern of life distinguished by adherence to the principle of the oneness of humankind, certain foundational concepts must be carefully examined. Most notable among them is the conception of power. Clearly, the concept of power as a means of domination, with the accompanying notions of contest, contention, division and superiority, must be left behind. This is not to deny the operation of power; after all, even in cases where institutions of society have received their mandates through the consent of the people, power is involved in the exercise of authority. But political processes, like other processes of life, should not remain unaffected by the powers of the human spirit that the Bahá’í Faith—for that matter, every great religious tradition that has appeared throughout the ages—hopes to tap: the power of unity, of love, of humble service, of pure deeds. Associated with power in this sense are words such as “release”, “encourage”, “channel”, “guide” and “enable”. Power is not a finite entity which is to be “seized” and “jealously guarded”; it constitutes a limitless capacity to transform that resides in the human race as a body.”
The suffering humanity is experiencing is the outcome of gross materialism and skewed human relationships. And yet the pursuit of happiness in the midst of trials and tribulations, largely self-inflicted, is possible. For real human happiness is founded upon spiritual behaviour. In a society, obsessed with the quest for happiness by engaging in different forms of activities, immersing oneself in consumerism and hedonistic pleasures is a chimera. Let us pause and reflect. What is the relationship between the “spiritual state” and the physical body that we inhabit? We all know that happiness contributes to one’s good health, sadness or depression, begets disease; Research on human behaviour has determined that happiness comes from two things: feeling a sense of connection to those around us, and from contributing to something greater than ourselves, thus creating a sense of meaning. Moreover, those who are happiest are those who are optimistic. And those who are optimistic are those who trust that despite difficult situations the final outcome would be good. Psychologists have learnt that 50% of one’s happiness is determined by one’s genetic make-up, and is thus beyond one’s control. However, this means that at least half of one’s happiness is in one’s own hands and is dependent on one’s habits, behaviours, and ultimately, one’s free will.
One’s lifestyle or daily habits determine whether a person is happy or sad. All sorrow and grief that exist come from the material world. Let me offer some suggestions. Happiness is not dependent on one’s material status. A sobering reality is that vast populations that live below the “so-called” poverty line when asked what was the cause of their happiness, the response, in order of importance, was: family bonds and social connection with the community; an appreciation of beauty in the natural landscape; a belief of a better future despite the hardships. Although there may be an undeniable link between money and satisfaction, “Money alone”, as the age-old adage goes, “cannot buy happiness.” In a world of abundance when millions go hungry; a world with surfeit of information and knowledge yet full of ignorance—it is hard to find happiness so long as these situations persist.
A recent BBC report showed that the brain is constantly changing in response to new knowledge and experience but outlines that it is “not one smooth pattern from birth to death.” Childhood—from birth to age nine. Adolescence—from nine to 32 years. Adulthood—from 32 to 66 years. Early ageing—from 66 to 83 years. Late ageing—from 83 years onwards. “The brain rewires across the lifespan. It is always strengthening and weakening connections and it is not one steady pattern—there are fluctuations and phases of brain rewiring.” Finding meaning in one’s work is a good thing for a happier life. Work provides a person with a sense of purpose and shows the way to connect with other people. It also offers opportunities to learn new things and develop new skills. Accepting discomfort to learn new things helps to rewire the brain. When individuals push themselves outside the comfort zone with positivity, it can bring happiness. Being productive, without getting stressed, attracts well-being. Giving as much as one can produce joy. It is not simply material things, being compassionate and spending time with someone who is going through tough times, brings happiness.
By cultivating such habits and attitudes, one can be happy. And mind you, it can be contagious. Bahá’i Writings remind us: “Anybody can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure and joy; but if one will be happy and content in the time of trouble, hardship and prevailing disease, it is the proof of nobility.” Bahá’ís are striving to tell the world that humanity’s future is glorious and everyone has a duty to bring peace and happiness to the world.
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*The writer is a social worker, an independent researcher & member of the Bahá’i Community of India. Views expressed are personal.
