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The pursuit of happiness has been a human endeavor since the dawn of time. There have been scores of books written on the topic. Seminars abound. The popularity of the quest continues because the question has yet to be definitively answered: "How does one find happiness?"
Two recent publications hope to provide the solution to this query. Richards Webster provides another in this Feng Shui series, Feng Shui for Success and Happiness (Llewellyn). Harold Cutler, M.D. joins with the Dalai Lama to offer The Art of Happiness (Riverhead Books/Penguin Putnam). Each takes a different approach to the subject - with useful elements to both views.
The Dalai Lama sees happiness as originating from the inside out. By disciplining the mind, eliminating the hold on negative emotions and emphasizing the positive, happiness becomes possible because the individual's perspective changes. For Feng Shui, the method involves more material concerns. By changing one's surroundings, more ch'i is drawn in, bringing happiness with it.
While based on Eastern traditions, there seems to be a greater difficulty or, at least, more obstacles to achieving happiness through Feng Shui. Webster notes how the layout of one's house or apartment is key to "activating" the areas one wishes to augment (i.e. wealth, marriage, family life). Even the direction one's front door faces plays into the mix. Whether or not a street or corner of a neighboring house creates a "shar" - an arrow directing possibly negative energies toward one's dwelling - is also of importance. It may not be feasible to erect a fence or plant a row of bushes to deflect these energies. If so, happiness will supposedly be diminished.
Not according to the Dalai Lama. Renowned for his always smiling face, this spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet passes along his "secrets" for happiness. He reveals how it is possible to live in exile, face a fair share of personal and social hardship, and still maintain inner peace. In short, it breaks down to a combination of self-knowledge and balance between mind, body and spirit. Dr. Cutler adds his own psychological view to the pages, as well, often admitting that the Dalai Lama's simple path confuses him. But then, Cutler is put off by the Dalai Lama's mention of influences from past incarnations and other tenets of the Buddhist faith. He seems not to grasp the link between the spiritual and the mental, as well as the physical.
It cannot be denied that both internal and external factors affect one's perception and attainment of happiness. How an individual views material possessions, the concept of "success" - spiritual or social - and the handling of day to day events will either promote or detract from achieving this goal.
One thing both books agree upon is that true happiness does not come overnight. Whether it means altering the furnishings or decor of a room, or altering lifestyles, the process takes time. In this age of war, crime and oppression, happiness may seem a goal best put off for another day. The authors of both books concur that the more people who decide to pursue happiness, however, the more conditions in the world will dramatically improve.
- Quill