Many individuals associate material things with elements like happiness, comfort, relief from problems, success, social status, and pleasure, consequently holding the conviction that pursuing these possessions will lead to a happier and more satisfying life. Also, in today's society, the pursuit of material possessions is often driven by factors such as societal pressures, personal desires, the influence of advertising and media, and the belief that such acquisitions will along with happiness, bring in security and a sense of fulfilment too.

The pursuit of happiness is a universal quest, and we often seek it through various means of material possessions. However, we have developed a tendency to rely on temporary and worldly things for our happiness. Consequently, even after experiencing moments of joy from them, we often find ourselves feeling empty once more or encountering new sources of distress shortly thereafter.

Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan describes true happiness to be that which does not increase or decrease regardless of the circumstance. This true happiness can never be derived from materialistic things as they by their inherent nature are temporary, and hence the happiness they can give is also temporary only. So, seeking happiness through material possessions is a never-ending cycle. The satisfaction derived from them is temporary and fleeting, and with certainty, it will be followed by unhappiness once again.

Thus, true and lasting happiness cannot be found in external objects or material items. Then where can we find this happiness?

The Permanent happiness comes from the Self within, the pure Soul.

The lasting happiness lies within one's own self and is independent of all external factors.

We attain this right understanding from an Enlightened being (Gnani Purush) only. And then, staying in the shelter of such an Enlightened being, as the right knowledge, which holds the key to lasting happiness, sinks in inside us, our attachment to materialism automatically diminishes and loses its hold on us. As a result, we are able to peacefully enjoy whatever naturally comes our way, and we no longer harbour concerns about things that are not destined to be a part of our life.

Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan further explains that “Our happiness should be an innate part of us. Innate (natural) happiness arises from the religion of the Self (sva-dharma). Religion of the Self means to stay in the nature of the Self (the Soul).”

The desire for superficial pleasures stems from our lack of understanding of our true nature. Those who free themselves from this attachment discover genuine and lasting happiness.

The spiritual science of Akram Vignan helps us dive into spirituality very easily and effortlessly. We attain the right understanding of who I am, first in the satsang of Gnani, and then through Self-Realization with the grace of Gnani. He helps us recognise our true nature as the pure Soul, which is beyond the body, mind and ego complex. By acquiring the true inner Self and realising the essence of ‘who am I’, one finds genuine happiness and fulfilment, which is not at all dependent on any of the material things. The teachings of Gnani bring about an inner transformation upon the attainment of Self-realisation, and it also leads to freedom from all material desires, which are fairly trivial, in the light of spirituality, and thus, it ultimately leads one to a state of contentment and inner bliss.

In summary, people seek material things due to the belief that they will bring them happiness and fulfilment. However, Akram Vignan emphasises that the true and lasting happiness is found within one’s Self alone, through Self-realisation.

Author's Bio: 

Ambalal M. Patel was a civil contractor by profession. In June 1958, spontaneous Self-Realization occurred within Ambalal M. Patel. From this point on, Ambalal became a Gnani Purush, and the Lord that manifested within him became known as Dada Bhagwan. A Gnani Purush is One who has realized the Self and is able to help others do the same. Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan used to go from town to town and country-to-country to give satsang (spiritual discourse) and impart the knowledge of the Self, as well as knowledge of harmonious worldly interactions to everyone who came to meet him. This spiritual science, known as Akram Vignan, is the step-less path to Self-realization.