The Gita offers a method of attaining happiness. It introduces the concept of the three gunas (qualities of nature): sattva (goodness), rajas (passion) and tamas (inertia). It suggests that happiness derived from tamas (ignorance) is fleeting and ultimately leads to suffering. Happiness derived from sattva (pure consciousness) is lasting and leads to true joy.

It is also suggested in the Gita that karma yoga (selfless service) can be a path to happiness, as it fosters a sense of purpose and connection with others.

The Gita further says that true happiness is not a destination to be reached through external pursuits, but an internal state to be cultivated through self-awareness, detachment and connection with the divine.

How to attain true happiness?

True happiness can be attained through the practice of awareness, visualization and concentration.

Step 1. Breath Awareness. Close your eyes and become aware of your breath.

Step 2. Visualize your breath going in through the left nostril and coming out of the right nostril. Now visualize the breath going in through the right nostril and coming out of the left nostril. This is one round. Practice 27 rounds. You are becoming detached as you are watching your breath.

Step 3. Count the breaths backwards from 27 to 0. Make no mistakes, if you do, start afresh. You are counting your breath and you are concentrating on the counting.

What has happened here? You have become free from your thoughts. The effect is that you are in a harmonious state. This practice can be done several times in the day. Add a mantra like Adummim or So Ham. Include ujjayi pranayama when you are comfortable. Ujjayi, is you contract your throat when you inhale and release the contraction when you exhale. The sound is like a baby snoring.

Look at yourself now. You have climbed a step on the happiness ladder.

Aim Hrim Klim