*WORDS OF WISDOM* - 'Peace and happiness' are always 'subjective' and not at all 'objective'. 'Peace and happiness' are in abundance, where there is the 'grandeur of egolessness' and the 'wisdom of desirelessness'. -SWAATHMAARAAMAN

(Talks with Ramana Maharshi)

A question was asked as to the nature of happiness.


M. : If a man thinks that his happiness is due to external causes and his possessions, it is reasonable to conclude that his happiness must increase with the increase of possessions and diminish in proportion to their diminution. Therefore if he is devoid of possessions, his happiness should be nil. What is the real experience of man? Does it conform to this view?

In deep sleep the man is devoid of possessions, including his own body. Instead of being unhappy he is quite happy. Everyone desires to sleep soundly. The conclusion is that happiness is inherent in man and is not due to external causes. One must realize his Self in order to open the store of unalloyed happiness.

RAMANA MAHARSHI