The one goal sought by all, yet attained by few, is lasting and meaningful happiness. We continually pursue fulfilment, but regularly search for it outwardly—in the seen, heard, touched, tasted, smelled and conceived. We imagine that freedom lies in the sense domain, mistaking it for our natural home.

Our suffering arises from not knowing what happiness truly is and where it may be found. Victims of a profound forgetfulness, we seem to be like the woman Bhagavan spoke of who forgot that she was already wearing her necklace. She searched everywhere until a friend pointed out that the necklace was around her neck. On feeling it with her hands, she rejoiced. Yet she had gained nothing new. Ignorance had caused her distress; knowledge restored her happiness. Likewise, the Self is ever present. Nothing new has to be acquired. Ignorance of the Self brings misery; knowledge of it reveals the happiness that has never been absent.^[2]

The musk deer offers a similar image. Perceiving an intoxicating fragrance, the deer races through forests and across rocky slopes searching for it, unaware that the fragrant musk lies within. So too, we pursue external objects, imagining that happiness resides in them. When a desire is fulfilled, the mind briefly subsides and our native peace shines through. We attribute that peace to the external object itself and begin to search afresh. The error is not that we desire happiness, but that we look for it where it cannot be found.

Bhagavan comments:

  Everyone wishes to rush out. There is no limit to going out. But happiness lies within and not without… You do not acquire happiness. Happiness is your very nature.^[4] 

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