~ by Sri Ramana Maharshi
A: Perfect bliss is Brahman. Perfect peace is of the Self.
That
alone exists and is consciousness. That which is called
happiness
is only the nature of Self; Self is not other than perfect
happiness.
That which is called happiness alone exists. Knowing that
fact and
abiding in the state of Self, enjoy bliss eternally.
If a man thinks that his happiness is due to external causes
and
his possessions, it is reasonable to conclude that his
happiness
must increase with the increase of possessions and diminish
in
proportion to their diminution. Therefore if he is devoid of
possessions, his happiness should be nil. What is the real
experience of man? Does it conform to this view?
In deep sleep man is devoid of possessions, including his
own
body. Instead of being unhappy he is quite happy. Everyone
desires
to sleep soundly. The conclusion is that happiness is
inherent in
man and is not due to external causes. One must realize the
Self in
order to open the store of unalloyed happiness.