The definition of happiness kept on changing for me all through my life.

Initially, it was relative, but now it is real for me. By the term ”relative” I mean dependent on others or on materialistic things. I use to be happy only if I got the things that I wanted in life or if people around me behaved in a manner that appealed me.

I always dreamt of a perfect life something that happens only in fairy tales but life had something else planned for me. I was devastated after knowing that my elder son had ‘autism’. I kept questioning as to ”why me”?

Nothing in my life seemed to be normal anymore. I felt people’s eyes staring at me all the time as if I had committed some crime or sin.

With passing years, I had an acceptance of his autism and gathered my courage to face challenges and support him in every possible way I could.

Happiness was now real for me, when I saw him growing gradually. I too was growing with him as a person and I was unaffected by the small issues of life.

 I was into teaching, but I left the job to help my son explore and grow independently. Life has completely changed ever since I started practicing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. The perspective of receiving problems in life has totally changed for me now. I don’t get disheartened while facing problems. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to give actual proof based on faith and convictions. As my mentor, Daisaku Ikeda says, “Winter will definitely turn to spring.”

 So, I have learnt that cribbing and grudging will never solve any problem and will not keep people around me happy too. With this attitude, I see my sorrows turning into joy and my hardships leading to valuable results. I am becoming a better person each day and feel happier to let an inspiration to others as well.

I’m so happy that I have done B.Ed. in Special education & qualified CTET only because of my son.

I try to remain happy in every situation. I get the wisdom to handle every problem and keep people around me happy too. With this attitude, I see my sorrows turning into joy & my hardships leading to valuable.

I am becoming a better person each day and more happy to set an inspiration as well. I think happiness is something we must create for ourselves.

No one else can give it to us. When we draw strength from within, our outlook undergoes a dramatic transformation, everything around us looks completely different. To be strong- that is the Key to Happiness.

Where can we find Happiness?

Happiness is not found in tranquil life free of storms & tempests. Real Happiness is found in the struggle we undergo to realise our goals in our efforts to move forward.

Our mentor in Buddhist practice teaches us to attain absolute happiness which is found within. It means establishing a state of life which are never defeated by difficulties & where just being active is a source of joy.