Why Buddhism could be the way to being happy

Most of the time, we look for happiness in the wrong places. Is this one of those times for you?

In today’s society, happiness is pretty much praised. We all want to be happy because it is one of the best feelings, right? So how come nobody ever tells you how or where to find it? Because most of them don’t know. Then, all of us are running around like headless chickens, trying to become happy. We travel to different places, change our appearance, friends, and sometimes even cut our family out of our lives. The result? On our deathbeds, we regret wasting our youth for dumb things.

Wait, what?

Well, don’t take me wrong, I do not suggest forgetting God and jumping into Buddhism. Actually, I’m not pushing you to believe in anyone. It is your choice.

I’m suggesting its methods.

In Buddhism, becoming enlightened and reaching nirvana is one of the main goals. Reaching Nirvana means attaining freedom from attachment, craving, ignorance, greed, hatred, and the mental defilements that cause suffering.

Put differently, Buddhism says that the key to happiness is inner peace.

That’s one of its beliefs. There’s also rebirth and afterlife and all kinds of stuff, but as of today, let’s focus on the inner peace part.

Easy peasy

Okay, got it. Scratch that, inner peace? Nah, wrap it up, I’m going home.

Don’t feel intimidated. Mental and emotional tranquillity may sound complex, but when broken down, it’s so much easier.

Buddhism teaches about overcoming our problems. How most of them come from within rather than from outside. It states that if your mind is happy, no matter what your surroundings are - good or bad - you’ll be happy all the time.

Think about it. No matter how much you have around or whatever beautiful views you have right in front of you, the moment anger, greediness, or hatred enters your mind, all of those beautiful, peaceful things disappear. It’s like tunnel vision, the only thing you see is the one you put in your mind.

Most of us are attached not only to people but to things. Things like your phone, house, status, etc.

Letting go

Buddhism teaches about the art of letting go. Nothing in this world is permanent. Everything will come to an end.

One example is losing someone important. You grief. Deny, get angry, then super depressed. What comes after all that? Acceptance.

How would it go with someone who practises Buddhism? He would have accepted his loved one’s death before it had even happened. It’s not like he won’t grieve them or just ignore that fact. No, it hurts just as much, the difference is preparing from the start.

Even arguments. The art of holding back. Mindfulness can help you stay calm and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Rather than reacting impulsively. Empathising with the suffering of others. Instead of focusing on “winning” or defending yourself, practising compassion helps you understand the other person’s perspective and acknowledge their feelings. The art of speaking kindly, with the intention of promoting harmony. In an argument, this means avoiding harsh, harmful, or exaggerated words.

Does that sound like happiness? Staying calm in arguments, controlling yourself, and just feeling at peace? For me it does.

What to do next?

Practise it. Even if you believe in God, something else or no one. These practices won’t hurt anyone,

But how to though?

Here are the key aspects of inner peace:

• Mindfulness: Observing one’s thoughts and emotions, being aware of them in that moment. It leads to a more peaceful and balanced mind.

• Meditation: Meditation is a central practice in Buddhism. Training one’s mind to be focused and free from distraction. This benefits your emotional well-being and sometimes even overall health.

• Acceptance of Impermanence: Understanding that everything is temporary. By accepting the impermanent nature of life, no matter what change or loss someone experiences, they can still reach inner peace. This involves attachment to people and their belongings.

• Letting Go of Aversion: Inner peace comes from letting go of negative emotions like anger, hatred, and fear. Buddhism believes that that’s what causes suffering and if you think about it, most of the time it does.

• Compassion: Practicing compassion towards oneself and others creates harmony. This doesn’t mean flattery, it means sincere empathy for everyone. Stepping a foot in someone’s shoes.

I will convince you

Simply put, Buddhism practises are about understanding that the source of our suffering comes from how we react to things rather than the things themselves. Transforming our mindset to understanding that our emotions, belongings and everything around us are temporary, not permanent - it allows us to navigate life with greater ease and peace.

It is how we choose to react. Realising that negative emotions are in control. WE should be in control. That’s where practices like meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection come in—helping us stay happy and at peace, no matter what life throws our way.

It’s easier said than done, but once you start practising, you begin to notice the difference. It’s like learning to kiss - awkward at first, but eventually, it becomes second nature.

To sum up

What I want you to understand is that no matter what you achieve - a villa, a super expensive car, the newest iPhone or a motorcycle - it won’t make you happy in the long term. Desires come and go, inner peace is what stays.

The world would be such a happier and safer place if we were just a little bit kinder to each other.

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts and made up of our thoughts. If a man speak or act with an evil thought, suffering follows him as the wheel follows the hoof of the beast that draws the wagon.... If a man speak or act with a good thought, happiness follows him like a shadow that never leaves him.” - Gautama Buddha