16 Teachings for Spiritual Happiness

It's possible for anyone to attain spiritual happiness. Spiritual happiness, enlightenment, awareness, whatever we wish to call it, isn't only available to a select few individuals such as monks, saints, and priests. A clear understanding of our life and its purpose leads to such awareness. The teachings in this book are very much philosophical-not a series of "how to" lessons-and require a certain degree of focus and concentration to absorb and realize for yourself. The more you study these chapters, the better will be your understanding of how to experience your precious life as more than a parade of mundane events. Inner peace isn't a state of not caring or not trying, or being blissed out and oblivious. It's the source of our strength and power. This book is meant to assist you in recognizing and experiencing this power. When our mind is tranquil and clear, our thinking, problem-solving skills, and focus vastly improve. We're able to handle our affairs without stress and anxiety. James Allen says, "The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom." Without a basic understanding of wisdom, the teachings in this book may puzzle you a bit. To acquire wisdom, we must try to lead a disciplined and reflective life, interact with positive-minded people, show benevolence to others, engage in charitable activities-no matter how small-and desire to purify our mind. Once we attain such a pattern in our life, we feel the presence of God directing our thoughts and actions. We feel His guidance in all our endeavors, irrespective of whether we perceive success or failure. We stop blaming or passing the buck to anyone, because we know we've done our best and we mustn't be attached to the outcome. If we perceive (in our limited, human understanding) that things didn't turn out as we'd hoped, we say, "God has been kind enough to bring a fruitful outcome, even though I may see at as failure." With a willingness to learn from our mistakes, combined with leading a disciplined life enriched by a strong spiritual fervor, it won't be difficult for you to acquire wisdom and experience true, spiritual happiness. You'll seek and discover the truth about the purpose of your life and how to use your gifts for the benefit of all beings.