The Purpose of Life is the Expansion of Happiness

From my very first meditation, I experienced that true, lasting happiness comes from within. On my tenth birthday, I learned Transcendental Meditation—a gift from my Dad,  a TM teacher, who taught me the technique. I remember it was a beautiful summer day. I closed my eyes to meditate and, at first, I could still see the bright sunlight through my eyelids and hear the chirping of the birds outside. Then, as I settled into the meditation, the sunshine and birds’ calls were replaced with an experience of quiet and deep contentment that was sweeter than what was happening outside.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who founded the Transcendental Meditation program, inspired many millions of people worldwide to unfold their full potential of life, emphasizing that the core purpose of living is to expand our happiness. And, in fact, through Transcendental Meditation, people have discovered that by tapping into deeper levels of their mind, their Self, they can access an unlimited source of peace and joy within.

So many traditions, teachers, and philosophers throughout the ages have advised seeking lasting happiness and viewing the ups and downs of our lives as fleeting and less substantial. As a certified TM teacher, I often like to remind my students that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how resilient we become. 

The TM technique not only helps us systematically maintain more and more peace in our daily lives, but also helps our physiology dissolve stress, thereby enabling us to be less reactive and more present, patient and happy. When I teach people this simple, daily practice and the benefits begin to be lived more and more in their day-to-day experiences, people still notice the ups and downs of life, but they are overwhelmed by them less and less. 

In our current state of the world, it might seem selfish and futile to focus on our health and happiness. However, we affect each other every day. The simple act of a stranger smiling sincerely at you can help you instantly feel lighter. We are more effective when we are happy and purposeful than when we are stressed and tired. The more we take care of ourselves, the more others around us will benefit and this will have a ripple effect around the world. 

As Maharishi once said, “Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things toward you. Allow your love to nourish others as well as yourself. Do not strain after your needs of life—it is sufficient to be quietly alert and aware of them. In this way life proceeds more naturally, effortlessly. Life is here to enjoy.”

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