Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : April 12, 2025 2:28 PM IST
Medically Verified By: AiR - Atman in Ravi
Why Spiritual Practices Hold The Secret To Modern-Day Happiness (Photo: Pixabay)
The complexities of modern life often result in disappointment and stress, with many mental, physical, and emotional consequences. When we find ourselves entangled in 'life', happiness becomes elusive. This when spiritual practices can help. Many people erroneously think that success means happiness, but, according to AiR Atman in Ravi, a happiness ambassador and spiritual leader, the reverse is true: happiness is success. He says that human beings are often lost in the materialistic pleasures of this world, but happiness is a combination of pleasure, peace and purpose.
According to the expert, ancient wisdom offers an enduring guide to living a life of happiness, peace and fulfillment. "Ancient philosophers, sages and spiritual leaders from diverse faiths and traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Greek philosophy, converge on a singular message: the key to happiness lies in living a simple, mindful and purpose-driven life," he states.
The happiness ambassador says that 'mindfulness' calls on us to be present in the moment by letting go of distractions and focusing on the 'here and now'. By doing this, we can reduce stress, increase self-awareness and discover joy in everyday moments. "We must live in the moment, moment-by-moment. Not in a yesterday that is gone, nor in a tomorrow not yet born. We must tame the 'monkey' mind that jumps from the past to the future, from thought-to-thought, stealing the joy of the moment. We must transcend the mind to be in the state of consciousness, a state of no-mind," he advises.
The expert states that it is important to understand that nothing in this world is permanent. "Ancient wisdom reminds us that everything is transient. We come and we go. Nothing and nobody belongs to us. The world is 'Maya', a cosmic illusion. By embracing this reality, we can learn to appreciate the present moment, release attachments and be peaceful amid uncertainty."
According to the spiritual leader, nature is a 'manifestation of the Divine'. "Its beauty is because of the presence of Divinity. The Divine is everywhere: in the wind that blows, the sun that glows, the river that flows. If we realise this, we become one with the world around us. This oneness holds the key to a blissful life."
He goes on to explain that enlightenment or moksha is the realisation of the truth, which can liberate us from all misery and suffering on earth, and from the karmic cycle of death and rebirth. "We realise that life is nothing but the unfolding of karma. We must accept what we cannot change, and surrender to the Divine will that unfolds as karma. We realise we are not the body, mind and ego. We are the immortal soul. We are a part of God. We are all one."
Ancient spiritual practices, including meditation and yoga, can lead us to a life of peace and bliss, says the expert, adding that while meditation is about stilling the mind -- which leads to peace, the foundation of happiness -- yoga is about being in union with the supreme immortal power we call God.
"A life of discipline, dispassion, detachment, discrimination and desiring God, as advocated by ancient sages, can also help us live in peace and bliss. According to Sanatana Dharma, we must follow the four ashramas: brahmacharya (the student stage), grihastha (the householder stage), vanaprastha (the forest dweller stage), sannyasa (the renunciate stage). Unfortunately, in today's world, we rarely go beyond grihastha and hence, remain discontent and miserable."
