The essence of happiness: wisdom from Eastern, African, and Native American philosophies

Happiness is one of the most sought-after feelings. The elusive jewel that has captivated people’s desires and has for centuries fueled the quest for a long, happy and fulfilling existence. The term itself gets thrown around a lot in our daily lives, whether in conversations, self-help book covers or in media and cinema. But what is it exactly? Have we turned happiness into a cheap and trendy “item” to be bought or sold? Is happiness a fleeting burst of joy or a state of contentment? Does it reside in accomplishments, relationships, or perhaps in the simple act of taking a walk with a friend?

In this article, I want to explore various approaches to the concept of happiness. We will navigate through various philosophical, psychological and cultural sources of information and wisdom.

Taoism

For Taoists, happiness has its roots in the concept of We Wei, the “effortless action”. Taoist teachers preach that true and real happiness doesn’t rise from the active and forceful pursuit of it, but from the quiet and passive alignment of oneself with the natural flow of existence. The sea crashing on the beach or a river flowing through the forest: these natural phenomena encounter obstacles but adapt themselves to their course seamlessly and organically. Embracing Wu Wei means learning to navigate life’s challenges with grace and acceptance, allowing events to happen around you in a fluid and seamless way. In the simplicity of being, Taoism teaches us that happiness is not a destination but a dance with the forces of the universe, the Tao, the underlying principle of all things.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, happiness is tightly intertwined with the cessation of all desire. The foundation of Buddhist thought is the Four Noble Truths, and they identify desire as the root of all suffering. Similarly to Taoism, Buddhism invites individuals to reject the relentless pursuit of happiness as a means to achieve it. The Eightfold Path, an early summary of the path of Buddhist practices, serves as a guide advocating for right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. By building and cultivating these ethical conducts, humans can embark on the transformative journey needed for the liberation of the mind and the discovery of happiness.

Hinduism

In the world of Hindu philosophy, the Bhagavad Gita tells the story of happiness through the learning and study of dharma, or righteous duty. Happiness is not a selfish and individualistic pursuit, but what happens when one’s actions are aligned with one’s nature and purpose. (here is the whole book, give it a read if you’d like)

Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture, set in a narrative framework of dialogue between the Pandava prince called Arjuna, and his guide Krishna. Arjuna during his journey, grapples with various dilemmas on the battlefield, and Lord Krishna shares his wisdom and guides him on how to fulfill one’s duty without being attached to the fruits of one’s labour. Detachment is key, and through Krishna’s teachings, we can learn that genuine happiness lies in the selfless pursuit of duty and contributing to the greater good while being aware of the interconnectedness of all beings.

Yoruba Philosophy

In the West African Yoruba philosophy, the path to happiness is tightly related and woven with the concept of “ase”, the dynamic force that flows through all things. Happiness is not an individual endeavour or path, but has to be considered to be a collective and cosmic resonance. Embracing one’s interconnectedness to the cosmic order and aligning oneself with the rhythm of the flow of ase is central to the Yoruba understanding of a fulfilling life.

Happiness is not to be sought in isolation but in harmony with the cosmic energy that connects us all, it’s a celebration of the communal spirit and recognition that true happiness is in the shared experience.

Ubuntu Philosophy

Ubuntu, a term rooted in the Bantu languages of Southern Africa, encapsulates a profound philosophy that transcends individualism, emphasising the interconnectedness of humanity. Ubuntu can be translated as “I am because we are”, and challenges the Western notion of individualism and life through autonomous identities. Ubuntu asserts that humanity is a collective tied to the well-being of others, and one person’s well-being is tied to the well-being of others. It is easy to understand then why Ubuntu rejects the idea of a solitary pursuit of happiness, and pushes communal living and harmony as a means to reach fulfillment.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an open Ubuntu advocate, often stated that, “My humanity is bound up in yours.” If you decide to embrace Ubuntu, you’ll be encouraged to recognize the humanity in others, festering empathy and pushing you to cooperate. It goes beyond family or community, you’ll be encouraged to imagine and envision a global community where the well-being of one is the well-being of all. Happiness is not a solitary achievement but a collective endeavour.

Lakota Sioux Wisdom

For the native Lakota tribe, happiness is to be found in the fabric of nature and the spiritual realm. The concept of Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit that flows through all living things is central to Lakota philosophy. It is important to recognise and honour the interconnectedness of all creation, for the Lakota every step is a prayer, and the sacred circle of life is respected and acknowledged with reverence. Earth, sky and all beings are interconnected threads to be embraced in the circle of life.