Go close to the “happy people”

The following is an excerpt from a samvaad (dialogue) session with Acharya Prashant.

Acharya Prashant (AP): There is no search as ignorant, as useless, and as tragic as the search for happiness. And unfortunately, happiness or sukha is something that all your well-wishers want for you, that all the markets and systems in the world promise you, and all that your mind is mad for.

It feels bad to hear that you will not get it, right? You would rather hear the means, the ways, the methods to get it; that would please you more. But what do you want, to be pleased or the truth? The truth is that you will not get it. It is not something to be obtained.

“But what about those who seem like they have got it? What about those who are laughing and singing and who seem to be enjoying the market?”

Go close. Happiness is a mirage that appears only from a distance. This is the thing about a mirage: it appears only when you are a little away from it. Go close to that point where the mirage appears, and the mirage is gone. Go close to happiness and the happy people, and you will know what this happiness is. You will only see faces laced with tears. The smile, the laughter is visible; the tears are mostly hidden. But if you are not blind, if you go close, you will see.

You are welcome to learn more about Acharya Prashant and his literature. You can also contact the Foundation directly.