241. Contours of Happiness

 

In our lives, we constantly experience the polarities of happiness (sukh) and sadness (dukh). Krishna explained that when senses meet sense-objects, polarities of sukh-dukh are generated (2.14). Praise brings happiness, while criticism causes sorrow, even though both are merely phenomena of words meeting the ears. Life, therefore, is a continuous interplay of senses and sense-objects, implying that polarities of sukh and dukh are an unavoidable human condition.

Krishna categorizes happiness into three types, each arising from one of the three gunas (18.36). He says, “That which is like poison in the beginning and nectar in the end is declared satvik happiness. It is a virtue born from the clarity of one’s intellect” (18.37). Thus, satvik happiness is dhyan (meditation) for the mind and physical exercise for the body where we find it difficult to begin and maintain regularly yet deeply rewarding over time in form of mental peace and physical wellbeing.

Krishna says, “The happiness arising from contact of senses with sense-objects, which in the beginning is like nectar and in the end like poison, that is considered rajasik” (18.38). Eating tasty foods like sweets or smoking gives pleasure at that moment but causes irreparable harm to the body.

Krishna says, “That happiness is tamasik which is delusive of atma (self) from beginning till the end and arises from sleep, indolence, and negligence” (18.39). It is the sukh arising out of ignorance like sleep or laziness.

For some, happiness lies in personal achievements; for others, in monastic or altruistic living. Scientifically, genetics influence our predispositions to happiness or sadness. Regardless of its origin, happiness, as per Krishna, is ultimately of three types, shaped by dominant guna influencing us at a given time.