Question: I have heard you say that happiness is not the goal of life. What is your reasoning?
Answer: The more we pursue happiness, the more elusive it becomes. Like trying to nail Jello to a tree, pursuing happiness does not ultimately work. Yes, we can buy pleasure, but pleasure is always short-lived and not the same phenomenon as true happiness. True happiness is always the unintended consequence of living a meaningful life. What is a meaningful life? A meaningful life is living for something larger than ourselves, for a noble purpose, for love. Francis of Assisi is a good example. He lived for something larger than himself, that is, for the love of God and neighbor. In doing so, he underwent many trials. His life was not always pleasant, yet he exuded great joy. Serving God, loving God, and loving all that God has created is the essence of a meaningful life. The natural fruit of such a life is joy. Yogananda tells us, “Many people may doubt that finding God is the purpose of life, but everyone can accept the idea that the purpose of life is to find happiness. I say that God is Happiness. He is Bliss. He is Love. He is Joy that will never go away from your soul.”
Dear God,
Today, may I seek meaning, not pleasure.
And if happiness is present,
I will thank you and hold it lightly.
