M K Gandhi needs no introduction. He is one of the heroes I worship. He has given me strength and courage to live a life full of purpose and meaning. I learned from him that if you follow the path of truth; you have nothing to fear. Truth and love are the two invincible powers of the Universe. He also taught me that selflessness is fearlessness. Any person who is not focused on the self, has nothing to fear.Though everyone strives for happiness, it still eludes us. Once Gandhi was challenged by a journalist to reveal the secret of happiness. He expressed it in three words- “Renounce and enjoy”. In mathematical terms he gave the following equation:
H = R/N
H stands for happiness, R for resources at your command and N for needs
The lesser the needs, the happiness quotient keeps increasing. It is all about what we need to make us happy.
In our last Laughter and silence retreat in Melbourne, Australia, we contemplated in silence the difference between needs and wants. We all have needs of survival and we all need some basics for living: like food, shelter and clothes. Needs are something we all must have. According to Gandhi, there is enough in this world to satisfy the needs of everyone. In contrast, wants are something that one would like to have. They are not necessary for living. but give you pleasure and comforts at the physical or mental level. The problem starts when we strive for things beyond our needs. The desires and wants are never ending, and we are caught in the processs of trying to amass as much as we can.
We all have desires and there is no way we can escape, but personally I found the answer. If your desires are directed to the self, they are bound to make you miserable, but if they are directed to help others, they will enrich your life, and you can have as many as you want. The second most important thing about desires is – don’t get attached to the outcome. If they get fulfilled it is good, if not it is still very good! There is a right time for everything in life. Everything happens for a reason. Just go with the flow.
Comments (6)
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The equation is very right. The source is also right. But it was nor Mr Gandhi`s thought. He learned it from somewhere.
This somewhere is 2.74 shloka of The Holy Geeta .
This was not to criticize anyone , But to emphasize that the religious books are the source of all happiness and liveliness
Thank you
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Gandhi is my hero since 1965 & Madan is my hero since 1996 !! May this tribe increase
Ramgopal
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Great stuff, I agree with you both, Namaste Madan and Mr Moon, I believe 'God Loves Gratitude' so when we can appreciate everything we already have in our life, especially our loved ones including pets then more will come to us. I try to remember at night before I sleep to be thank ful for every little thing I experienced and enjoyed during the day, even what may have seemed negative and hard because even that happened for a reason. I dont do this to get more, only to remember to have gratitude for what I do have. I also try to continue to declutter my home and my life, as I believe that when we try to hold on to things we are not allowing an energetic space for newness to come to us. When I let go of the past by letting go of things or clothes that I have had for while, I feel free and by giving it all to second hand shops I know I am going make others Happy as Well, also the more I help others the better I feel. Love and giggles Carolyn Nicholson
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Mahatma Gandhi is my hero, too!
He taught “The truth is the ultimate religion.”
Our sincere efforts and hearts toward love and peace will defeat any negativity and darkness in this world.
Mahatma also said, “When the student is ready, the master will show up for himself,” which is also one of Indian proverbs.
Before we point out and chastise the materialism and avarice of the modern society, I think we should first make efforts to love and respect all other beings.
When we pursue love, peace, happiness, and laughter with a sincere mind, the universe will provide us with them.
And, I am sure Laughter Yoga has a greater part to play in this.
I sincerely give my respect to Dr. Madan Kataria and Mrs. Madhuri Kataria, along with all the rest of the great Laughter Yoga leaders.
Wishing all of you all the best,
January 16th, 2010
Moon, Byeong-Kyo, Certified L.Y. Teacher
From South Korea
