Beyond Happiness
I have observed what I believe to be the three stages of happiness: the conventional stage, the spiritual or scientific stage, and an elusive stage that lies beyond both. Some persons will never experience anything beyond the conventional; some will oscillate between the conventional and spiritual, in search of 'answers.'
Whilst a few will some reach the point where they are ready to transcend both these stages entirely ...
Stage 1 – The Conventional
Most quests we undertake in life are an attempt to ‘find’ or ‘seek’ out happiness, which we expect to experience through ... finding our life partner, being part of and raising a family, enjoying close friendships, pursuing challenging and rewarding careers, serving our community, generating and spending our wealth and chasing a level of success or fame through our personal ambitions and achievements.
It is more than likely that within our lifetime we will each share these experiences, to some degree. Nevertheless, anything we experience will never be as powerful as what we can observe; and if we observe each of these experiences closely, there lies an overwhelming sense of irony and pathos.
Essentially, the very experiences we chase often end up causing us the most pain. Relationships we longed to create end up lining the divorce courts; our career ambitions keep us under stress, adversely affecting our health; family members, friends and colleagues turn out to be the cause of our frustrations and angst; our wealth (regardless of size) provides us with real no comfort or security; and our ambitions and achievements are often not attained, or appreciated.
Stage 2 – The Spiritual &/or The Scientific
Whilst many continue the conventional cycle of happiness and unhappiness, a few begin a spiritual conquest in order to find the cause of their unhappiness. Most persons who enter this stage will tread the path of religion, self-help, therapy, philosophy, yoga, meditation, the occult, and a myriad of spiritual practices in search of 'answers'. Some will even find answers in science and hold reason and logic as their new faith.
Much like conventional searches, this search is also vain attempt to ‘find’ and ‘seek’ out happiness; that secret single answer to life that satisfies their quest. Yet ultimately, one's belief, faith or ability to reason scientifically will only provide interim comfort – whilst their backdrop of pain and confusion continues. Instead of trying to understand or observe the nature of our pain most will seek to avoid it through conventional and spiritual pursuits in search of the quickest, most convenient solution.
Stage 3 – Beyond the Conventional, The Spiritual & The Scientific
Any solace we seek from conventional, spiritual and scientific means will ultimately prove futile. In fact, the minute anyone claims to have ‘found the answer’ they have simply reached the ultimate state of ignorance and denial.
This stage transcends all, further, it transcends the need to 'find' or 'seek' out happiness – and takes you beyond the pendulum of happiness and unhappiness and into a new state. This state cannot be experienced; it is beyond experience, and can only be realised and observed.
Not only is this state beyond experience and happiness; it is also beyond wealth, ambition, achievement, fame, recognition, motivation, inspiration and success. When many hear this, their usual response is cynical, however, this is understandable and simply a result of one’s conditioning.
Most human problems are relatively simple to understand, however, throughout our lifetime we have accumulated thousands of experiences that we have never fully observed. Rather than observing a natural state, we live in a reactive and conditioned state. It is this very conditioning that propels us to continually seek after happiness.
Some are also fearful of entering this stage, believing they will become disconnected, and be required to forgo certain conventional and spiritual pursuits they still enjoy - this is utterly false and untrue. This state will not disconnect you from the world, rather it will reconnect you; providing you with a greater sense of Life Power. All material and physical experiences, success and achievements can still be enjoyed. However, they will be enjoyed at a whole new level; minus the pain and the confusion that once clouded these very pursuits.
Realising this state requires no methodologies, no courses, no programs, no tricks – which are tools used by seekers, not observers.
If anything I have written strikes accord with you, then please get in touch someday.