Methods to Fulfil the Basic Human Aspirations

Everyone wants to be happy. 

But let’s be honest—most of us confuse happiness with momentary pleasures or material possessions. 

A new phone, a fancy meal, or praise from others makes us feel good for a while, but it never lasts. True fulfilment comes when we live in harmony—with ourselves, our loved ones, society, and nature.

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What is Happiness?

Happiness is not about “collecting stuff” or “winning over others.” It’s simply the state of harmony:

• Within ourselves → when our thoughts, feelings, and actions match.

• With others → when relationships are based on trust and respect.

• With society → when justice and cooperation guide our actions.

• With nature → when we live sustainably and avoid exploitation.

Formula:

• Happiness = Harmony

• Unhappiness = Disharmony

Example: If you complete your work honestly, you feel peaceful (harmony → happiness). If you lie or cheat, guilt makes you uneasy (disharmony → unhappiness).

Continuity of Happiness

We don’t want happiness only on weekends or birthdays—we want it continuously. That’s possible only when harmony is ensured at four levels:

1. Individual level → self-reflection, inner peace.

2. Family level → relationships of trust, love, respect.

3. Society level → fairness, justice, active participation.

4. Nature level → balance with environment, sustainable living.

What is Prosperity?

Prosperity doesn’t mean owning 10 cars—it means feeling you have enough to meet your needs. Two conditions are necessary:

1. Right assessment of needs → knowing what is truly necessary vs. what is greed.

2. Availability of resources → having (or producing) more than what we need.

Example: A person with modest resources but contentment feels prosperous, while a millionaire who always wants “more” feels deprived.

Key Takeaways

• Happiness = Harmony (within, with others, society, and nature).

• Prosperity = Having enough to meet real needs.

• Both require right understanding (clarity about life) and right living (acting accordingly).

Reflect & Act

• When do you feel most at peace—after winning an argument or after reconciling with someone?

• List two things you genuinely need and two that are just “greed.”

• How can you live with a little more harmony today—with yourself, others, or the environment?

Fill in the blanks :

Happiness can be defined as a state of _______ within ourselves, with others, society, and nature.

When our thoughts, feelings, and actions are in sync, we experience _______.

Prosperity means having _______ physical resources to meet our real needs.

The two essential conditions for prosperity are: right assessment of _______ and availability of _______.

Both happiness and prosperity require right _______ and right _______.