Full explanation The Quest for Happiness -H. H. Dalai Lama Non-Fictional Prose ( Prudence )

 Full explanation Quest for Happiness  -H. H. Dalai Lama  Non-Fictional Prose ( Prudence )

About the Text

"The Quest for Happiness" deals with the subject of human survival with hope. It is fundamentally oriented towards the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. The Dalai Lama throws light on Wealth or prosperity, Health, Friendship, or compassion. The Dalai Lama makes it clear that his essay rests on the secular context which is beyond religious teaching. It is interesting to read from where happiness is derived. The essay highlights the importance of secular ethics that can also be used in our daily life. These are ethics that can be used by both religious and non-religious people, Here, the Dalai Lama makes suggestions and offers advice on how to get rid of destructive emotions and help human beings achieve happiness. In this essay, the Dalai Lama justifies the importance of compassion and emphasizes the importance of having healthy relationships and financial security in tandem with proper health. But the true source of happiness cannot be derived from earthly things, he maintains. Rather, finding purpose and continually practicing mindfulness is one's only viable step towards obtaining true satisfaction and ultimate joy.

About the Author

The 14th and current Dalai Lama is a highly renowned, preeminent Buddhist Monk. He is widely known as a Religious Preacher, Buddhist Scholar, and Spiritual writer on the international platform. He was born on July 6, 1935, to a farming and horse trading family, in a small hamlet located in Takster, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. His Holiness began his monastic education at the age of six. He is greatly influenced by Lord Gautama Buddha and his philosophy. In 1959, following the brutal suppression of the Tibetan national uprising in Lhasa by Chinese troops His Holiness was forced to escape into exile. Since then he has been living in McLeod Ganj a suburb of Dharamsala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, northern India. The Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet.

Summary

"The Quest for Happiness" deals with the subject of human revival with hope. It is written by H.H. Dalai Lama, the 14th and current Dalai Lama of Tibet. He is a highly renowned, preeminent Buddhist monk, he is widely known as a Religious preacher Buddhist Scholar and spiritual writer on the international Platform. The essay is fundamentally oriented toward the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. The Dalai Lama throws light on wealth or prosperity, Health and friendship or compassion. The essay highlights the importance of secular ethics that can also be used in our daily life. These are ethics that can be used by both religious and non-religious people. Here the Dalai Lama makes suggestions and offers advice on how to get rid of destructive emotions and help human beings achieve happiness. In this essay, the Dalai Lama Justifies the importance of compassion and emphasizes the importance of having healthy relationships and financial security with proper health.

The Dalai Lama has explored the real Sources of happiness. He removes the general assumptions of happiness from his self-experience. The Dalai Lama keenly observes that 'Hope' which implies the thought of something better the idea of future happiness enables a human being to survive and therefore has survival value. He states that human beings always pursue happiness and try to avoid suffering with this assumption he identifies the general sources of happiness considered by people. such as wealth, health, and friendship. Very clearly he declares that he is talking of simple joy or happiness in the everyday sense and not religious ultimate happiness. He makes a distinction between human happiness and the happiness of an animal, which is restricted to the satisfaction of sensory appetite.

While commenting on wealth as one of the three assumed sources of happiness, the Dalai Lama accepts that as human beings hermit living alone in a mountain Cave he needs food and clothing and material factors affect happiness. He justifies this by stating that even a so also a common man requires money to live a dignified human life. Further, he states that money makes people happy and they can fulfill their wishes. It also provides choices and freedom to human beings. The Dalai Lama says that people are so preoccupied with money that even reciting a mantra associated with the Buddha of compassion" Om Mani Padme Hum', They mumble hurriedly uttering the word 'Mani' and making it sound like the English word 'Money'.

The Dalai Lama agrees that wealth confers a kind of security and satisfaction, perhaps, but questions how secure material wealth can ever be. He explains that wealth and prosperity are required to fulfill one's fundamental needs which are prerequisites of human happiness, with the help of wealth, one can obtain all luxuries to raise one's level of comfort and convenience. But the availability of these material factors cannot give guarantee everlasting satisfaction. on the contrary, this materialism may lead to greater anxiety, stress, and worry which can turn into anger and even resentment. Recent research in psychology and social sciences has suggested that material acquisitions only bring 'mental flourishing'. Both disciplines have found that the excitement of a new purchase remains only for a while. To explain this, the Dalai Lama takes supports the Tibetan expression 'asar tsapo' meaning 'Very new; that is one who always pursues the latest material things the condition of today's consumer is characterized by a kind of fickleness.

The Dalai Lama points out that all kinds of conflicts from the local level to the international lie in resources and material values. He shares his own experience about rich billionaires who are tired of their material possessions and become dissatisfied and unhappy as the possessions bring loneliness instead of happiness or satisfaction. He uses the Tibetan term' Kunga Dhondup' (which means 'Money' in Tibetan) which the Tibetans are devoted to but, unfortunately, it brings a lot of suffering. Instead of material wealth, the Dalai Lama advocates mental wealth based on love and compassion that brings pure happiness. He points out that material security and satisfaction given by wealth are easily exposed at the time of natural disasters. He preaches that one's inner or mental state is the only responsible factor for the happiness of both rich and poor. A poor family with affection, kindness, and trust between them will be happy but a rich family will not if suspicion or resentment fills their mind. Finally, the Dalai Lama emphasizes here, that the mental level of a human being is the ultimate key to happiness. He points out recent, social and scientific research which proves that the mental benefits of wealth are temporary. The general level of satisfaction in society is higher in the absence of the rich and poor divide regarding the distribution of wealth. This suggests that one's well-being depends on several situational factors that have an effect on one's view, attitudes, and relationship to wealth.

The second source of human happiness observed by Dalai Lama is Health. He admits to the importance of physical health and suggests precautions that should be taken about eating, sleeping, exercising, and the need to consult a qualified doctor in case of illness. But he rejects the view that health should be considered an entirely responsible source of happiness. He rejects equating good physical health with happiness. He gives the example that a person with a strong body may not be happy, on the contrary, a person with a weak body can be. Finally, he comments that health is like wealth and is not the ultimate source of happiness. Happiness is related to the state of mind, outlook, motivation, and level of warm-heartedness toward others.

The third source of happiness considered by Dalai Lama is friendship. He views the importance of genuine friendship which is required for one's well-being and rejects superficial relationships deliberately developed for money, social credit, and appearance which continue till it is present with the person. The Dalai Lama puts a question mark on such superficial relationships and points out the danger of seeking happiness with such friends who disappear in times of need. He states that genuine friendship is based on trust and affection which arises through one's own attitude of concern and respect toward others. He gives the account of meeting a Christian monk, on his visit to Spain, many years ago. The monk had spent five years, living as a hermit behind his monastery, meditating on love. The Dalai Lama noticed that the depth of feeling in the monk's eyes was revealed more through his eyes than his words. This example reveals warm-heartedness which connects one to others although one is alone. According to the Dalai Lama, inner affection, concern, and warm-heartedness toward others is the only alternative to human isolation. Briefly, in this excerpt, the Dalai Lama looks at the sources of happiness valued by human beings- wealth, health, and friendship. But he concludes that these sources, followed incorrectly are unable to provide eternal happiness to human beings. He exposes the futility and hollowness of these sources and shows that the inner state of mind is the master key to human happiness. His teachings in this happiness essay are very relevant to today's world.

Write Short Answer type Questions 

Q.1:- What according to the Dalai Lama are the three factors that contribute to human well-being?

Ans: "The Quest for Happiness" deals with the subject of human Sur vival with hope. It is fundamentally oriented towards the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. The Dalai Lama throws light on wealth or prosperity, Health, Friendship, or compassion. The essay highlights the importance of secular ethics that can also be used in our daily life. In this essay, the Dalai Lama justifies the importance of compassion and emphasizes the importance of having a healthy relationship and financial security with proper health. But the true source of happiness can not be derived from earthly things, he maintains.

The Dalai Lama states that human beings always pursue happiness and try to avoid suffering, so he identifies the general sources of happiness are considered by the people, such as wealth, Health,, and friendship. Dalai Lama is talking about simple joy or happiness in the everyday sense, not about religious ultimate happiness. The Dalai Lama accepts that material factors affect happiness in human beings. He gives the example of a hermit who is living alone in a mountain cave and needs food and clothing and so also a common man requires money to live a dignified human life. He states that money makes people happy and they can fulfill their wishes. It also provides choices and freedom to human beings. He agrees that wealth confers a kind of security and satisfaction, perhaps, but questions how secure material wealth can ever be. He explains that wealth and prosperity are required to fulfill one's fundamental needs which are prerequisites of human happiness. With the help of wealth, one can obtain all luxuries to raise one's level of comfort and convenience. But the availability of these material factors can not give guarantee everlasting satisfaction. On the contrary, these ma's trials may lead to greater anxiety, stress, and worry which can turn into anger and even resentment. Instead of material wealth, the Dalai Lama advocates mental wealth based on love and compassion that brings pure happiness.

The Second source of happiness according to Dalai Lama is Health He admits to the importance of physical health and suggests precautions that should be taken about eating, sleeping, exercising, and the need to consult a qualified Doctor in case of illness. But he rejects the view that health should be considered an entirely responsible source of happiness. He rejects equating good physical health with happiness. He gives the example that a person with a strong body may not be happy, on the contrary, a person with a weak body can be happy in his/her life.

The third source of happiness considered by Dalai Lama is friendship. He views the importance of genuine friendship which is quired for one's well-being and rejects superficial relationships deliver lately developed for money, Social credit, and appearance which continue till it is present with the person. The Dalai Lama puts a question mark on such superficial relationships and points out the danger of working happiness with such friends who disappear in times of need. le states that genuine friendship is based on trust and affection which rises through one's own attitude of concern and respect towards others.

In this way, the Dalai Lama looks at the sources of happiness valued by human beings- wealth, health, and friendship. But he concludes that these sources, followed incorrectly are unable to provide eternal happiness to human beings.

Q.2: Why does one need Wealth? 

Ans: "The Quest of Happiness" deals with the subject of human survival with hope. It is fundamentally oriented towards the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. The Dalai Lama throws light on wealth or prosperity, Health and friendship or compassion. In the essay, the Dalai Lama has explored the real sources of happiness. He removes the general assumptions of happiness from his self-experi once. He states that human beings always pursue happiness and try to avoid suffering. With this assumption, he identifies the general sources of happiness considered by people. Such as weak Health and Friendship.

The Dalai Lama, while commenting on wealth as one of the three assumed sources of happiness, the Dalai Lama accepts that with human beings material factors affect happiness. He justifies this by stating that even a hermit living alone in a mountain cave, he needs food and clothing and so also a common man requires money to live a dignified human life. He agrees that wealth confers a kind of security and satisfaction, perhaps, but questions how secure material wealth can ever be. He explains that wealth and prosperity are required to fulfill one's fundamental needs which are prerequisites of human happiness. With the help of wealth, one can obtain all luxuries to raise one's level of comfort and convenience. But the availability of these material factors can not give guarantee everlasting satisfaction. On the contrary, this ma materialism may lead to greater anxiety, stress, and worry which can turn into anger and even resentment.

The Dalai Lama suggests that mental wealth is based on love and compassion that brings pure happiness. He points out that material se security and satisfaction given by wealth s are easily exposed at the time of natural disasters. He preaches that one's inner or mental state is the only responsible factor for the happiness of both rich and poor. A poor family with affection, kindness, and trust between them will be happy, but a rich family will not if suspicion or resentment fills their mind. Finally, the Dalai Lama emphasizes here, that the mental level of a human being is the ultimate key to happiness. He points out recent, social and scientific research which proves that the mental benefits of wealth are temporary. The general level of satisfaction in society is higher in the absence of the rich and poor divide regarding the distribution of wealth. This suggests that one's well-being depends on several situational factors that have an effect on one's views, attitudes, and relationship to wealth.

Q.3: Is good health necessary and does it determine happiness?

Ans: "The Quest for Happiness" deals with the subject of human survival with hope. It is fundamentally oriented towards the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. The Dalai Lama throws light on wealth or prosperity, health and friendship or compassion. The essay highlights the importance of secular ethics that can also be used in our daily life. Here, the Dalai Lama Makes suggestions and offers advice on how to get rid of destructive emotions and help human beings to achieve happiness.

In the essay "The quest for Happiness" the Dalai Lama has explored the real sources of happiness. He states that human beings always pursue happiness and try to avoid suffering. He identifies the general sources of happiness considered by people, such as wealth, Health, and Friendship. The Dalai Lama clearly states that he is talking of simple joy or happiness in the everyday sense and not religious ultimate happiness. The Dalai lama States that money makes people happy and they can fulfill their wishes. It also provides choices and freedom to human beings. He agrees that wealth confers a kind of security and satisfaction but this material wealth cannot give guarantee everlasting satisfaction. On the contrary, this materialism may lead to greater anxiety, stress, and worry which can turn into anger and even resentment.

The Dalai Lama suggests that health is a supreme source of happiness than wealth. He admits to the importance of physical health & suggests precautions that should be taken about eating, sleeping, exercising, and the need to consult a qualified doctor in case of illness. But he rejects the view that health should be considered an entirely responsible source of happiness. He rejects equating good physical health with happiness. He gives the example that a person with a strong body may not be happy, on the contrary, a person with a weak body can be. But if a person has wealth but if he does not good health then he cannot take pleasure in his Wealth. Wealth provides eternal happiness to human beings. So, health is also not the ultimate source of happiness but if a person has good health he/she can enjoy life happily with materialistic wealth. In this way, the Dalai Lama states that happiness is related to the state of mind, outlook, motivation, and level of warm-heartedness toward others.

Q.4:-Which type of acquaintances will never bring permanent joy?

Ans: The essay, "The Quest of Happiness" deals with the subject of human survival with hope. It is fundamentally oriented toward the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. The Dalai Lamathrows light on wealth or prosperity, Health and friendship or compassion. The Dalai Lama has explored the real sources of happiness. He finds out about these sources from his self-experience. He states that human beings always pursue happiness and try to avoid suffering. With this assumption, he identifies the general sources of happiness considered by people, such as Wealth, Health, and friendship. The Dalai Lama here makes the reader clear that he is talking of simple joy or happiness in the everyday sense, not of the religious ultimate happiness.

While commenting on wealth as one of the three assumed sources of happiness, the Dalai Lama accepts that material factors affect the happiness of human beings. He justifies this by stating that even a hermit living alone in a mountain cave needs food and clothing and so also a common man requires money to live a dignified human life. He states that money makes people happy and they can fulfill their wishes. It also provides choices and freedom to human beings. The Dalai Lama agrees that health confers a kind of security and satisfaction but a question arises as to how secure material wealth can ever be. He explains that wealth and prosperity are required to fulfill one's fundamental needs which are prerequisites of human happiness. With the help of wealth, one can obtain all luxuries to raise one's level of comfort and convenience. But the availability of these material factors cannot give guarantee everlasting satisfaction. This materialism may lead to greater anxiety, stress, and worry which can turn into anger and even resentment. He gives the example that a member of a poor family will be happy if there is affection, kindness, and trust between them. But, on the contrary, the rich person who is lives in luxury, may not happy, if suspicion or resentment besets their minds, they will have no genuine happiness. In this way, the acquaintances will never bring permanent jo

Answer the following questions in about 300 word

Q.1:-Illustrate the human factors for happiness as proposed by the Dalai Lama. 

Ans:-The essay' The Quest for Happiness' deals with the su human survival with hope written by HH Dalai Lama, the:s.y. and Current Dalai Lama of Tibet. The essay is fundamentally oriented toward the pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of suffering. The Dalai Lama throws light on wealth or prosperity, Health and Friendship or Compassion. The Dalai Lama has explored the real source of happiness from his self-experience. He states that human beings always pursue happiness and try to avoid suffering. With this assumption, he identifies the general sources of happiness considered by people, such as Wealth, Health, and Friendship.

The Dalai Lama accepts that material factors affect happiness in a human being. He justifies this by stating that even a hermit living alone in a mountain cave needs food and clothing and so also a common man requires money to live a dignified human life. Further, he states that money makes people happy and they can fulfill their wishes. It also provides choices and freedom to human beings. The Dalai Lama agrees that wealth confers a kind of security and satisfaction, perhaps, but questions how secure material wealth can ever be. He explains that wealth and prosperity are required to fulfill one's fundamental needs which are prerequisites of human happiness. With the help of wealth, one can obtain all luxuries to raise one's level of comfort and convenience. But the availability of these material factors cannot give guarantee everlasting satisfaction. On the contrary, this materialism may lead to greater anxiety, stress, and worry which can turn into anger and even resentment. He preaches that one's inner or mental state is the only responsible factor for the happiness of both rich and poor.

The second source of human happiness observed by Dalai Lama is Health. He admits to the importance of physical health and suggests precautions that should be taken about eating and sleeping. exercising and the need to consult a qualified doctor in case of illness. But he rejects the view that health should be considered an entirely responsible source of happiness. He rejects equating good physical health with happiness. He gives the example that a person with a strong body may not be happy, on the contrary, a person with a weak body can be. In this way, he comments that health is also not the ultimate source of happiness.

The Dalai Lama considered the third source of happiness to be friendship. He views the importance of genuine friendship which is required for one's well-being and rejects superficial relationships deliberately developed for money, social credit, and appearance which continue till it is present with the person. He states that genuine friendship is based on trust and affection which arises through one's own attitude of concern and respect towards others. 

Q.2:- What inner attitude does the Dalai Lama advocate for overcoming the lack of fellowship with other human beings?

Ans: The essay "The Quest for Happiness" is written by HH Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama has explored the real sources of happiness from his self-experience. He states that human beings always pursue happiness and try to avoid suffering. With this assumption, he identifies the general sources of happiness considered by people, such as Wealth. Health and Friendship.

The Dalai Lama accepts that material factors affect happiness in a human being. He justifies this by stating that material factors affect happiness. He states that money makes people happy and they can fulfill their wishes. It also provides choices and freedom to human beings. He agrees that wealth confers a kind of security and satisfaction, perhaps, but questions how secure material wealth can ever be. He agrees that with the help of wealth, one can obtain all luxuries to raise one's level of comfort and convenience. But the availability of these material factors cannot give guarantee everlasting satisfaction. On the contrary, this materialism may lead to greater anxiety. stress and worry which can turn into anger and even resentment.

According to the Dalai Lama,, the second source of human happiness is Health. But he rejects the view that health should be considered an entirely responsible source of happiness. He rejects equaling good physical health with happiness. He gives the example that a person with a strong body may not be happy, on the contrary,, a person with a weak body can be. Finally, he comments that health is also not the ultimate source of happiness.

The Dalai Lama then suggests the third source of happiness is friendship. He views the importance of genuine friendship which is required for one's well-being and rejects superficial relationship deliberately developed for money, social credit,, and appearance which continues till it is present with the person. The Dalai Lama puts a question mark on such superficial relationships and points out the danger of seeking happiness with such friends who disappear in times of need. He states that genuine friendship is based on trust and affection which arises through one's own attitude of concern and respect towards others. He gives the example of the meeting of a Christian monk, on his visit to Spain, many years ago. The monk had spent five years, living as a hermit behind his monastery, meditating on love. The Dalai Lama noticed that the depth of feeling in the Monk's eyes was revealed more through his eyes than his words. This example reveals warm-heartedness which connects one to others although one is alone. According to Dalai Lama, inner affection, concern,, and warm-heartedness toward others are the only alternative to human isolation.