Happiness lies within by Atman Nityanada
By nature, the ego’s direction is downward and outward, seeking more, better and more intense pleasant and pleasurable experiences, competition, success, fame, power, etc.
The downward and outward direction of the ego is due to the qualities (Gunas) rajas and tamas. Tamas veils our true Self (silent space of Consciousness) and drives our attention downward toward the physical body. And rajas makes the mind extroverted, passionate, impatient and distracted in seeking sensory pleasures and success.
If we want to experience the peace, bliss and freedom of our true nature (Consciousness, Atman) we have to direct our attention and mind in the opposite direction, inward and upward.
Inward and upward is the movement of the sattva (light, purity) quality.
Therefore we must purify our mind from tamas and rajas and increase the sattva quality, dissolve the egoic tendencies and regularly practice meditation and/or Self-enquiry.
All unhappiness is due to the ego; with it comes all your troubles.
What good does it do you to attribute to the events of life the cause of misery that is really within you?
What happiness can you derive from things outside yourself?
When you get it, how long will it last?
Does happiness really come from outside, from sense objects and experiences?
If we want to experience the peace, bliss and freedom of our true nature (Consciousness, Atman) we have to direct our attention and our mind in the opposite direction to that in which the ego directs them, that is, inward and upward.
🌺 Peace, Love, Harmony
atmannityanada 