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The topic of International Happiness Day always garners significant attention. Here are some insightful and meaningful reflections and articles on happiness, aiding us in understanding its importance and our life's purpose.
History of March 20th International Happiness Day
Inspiring Articles on March 20th International Happiness Day
Article on March 20th International Happiness Day #1
Since June 2012, the United Nations has designated March 20th as International Day of Happiness. In 2014, Vietnam celebrated International Happiness Day for the first time under the theme of 'Love & Sharing'.
Happiness is something everyone strives for, seeks, and longs to attain. However, happiness means different things to different people, influenced by individual circumstances and perspectives on life.
For some, having food and decent clothes brings boundless happiness, while for others, it's about gourmet meals and fashionable attire to truly be called happy.
Some believe that living is happiness, while for others, death might bring relief, as everyone hopes to live and fears death.
Some think that wealth leads to happiness, yet when wealth arrives, unhappiness often follows. The abundance disrupts harmony among siblings, loosens family ties, and diminishes marital empathy.
Some believe being loved by someone beautiful and accomplished is fortunate, but ironically, their beauty and success often lead to feeling overshadowed, becoming the subject of disdain, and losing happiness altogether.
As the saying goes, you only realize your blanket has fleas when you're already under it. Sometimes we envy what others have, thinking it would bring immense happiness, yet upon hearing their struggles, we realize they're less happy than us. Such is the irony of life, where desires to switch places abound, leaving both parties longing for the other's possessions.
Hence the saying, the fish in the red pond yearns for the muddy water, and vice versa. There's the tale of a king burdened by the weight of his kingdom secretly wishing, 'If only I could spend a day as a free peasant, work, rest, eat when hungry, how blissful it would be...' Yet, surely even those laboring outside the distant walls dream of ruling the land, even if just for a day, content even in death.
Of course, human lives are predetermined, guided by karma rather than mere chance. Karma shaped by one's actions, reaping what one sows. When the fruits ripen, rejoice, accept, and always strive to live nobly, virtuously, whether king or commoner. Embrace your role and find peace, happiness.
Happiness eludes those who constantly compare and yearn. Buddhism calls it the lack of contentment. Dreams, if any, should align with reality; pursue what's achievable, finding joy in the process, not in forcefully achieving goals. Otherwise, disappointment, self-criticism, despair ensue, leading to stagnation.
Even if attained but marred by setbacks and pains along the way, what we call happiness can become a distant and stifling goal, snuffing out much inner peace and tranquility in the pursuit. Hence, a wise monk reminds us that happiness is the journey, each step toward the goal (goodness ahead) should be taken with ease, not as a battle, rushing to it recklessly.
There's a humorous saying, 'Strive, but don't strive too hard... overstriving is easy.' When viewed through the lens of Buddhist wisdom, it's akin to a meditation lesson, reminding us to gauge our capabilities. Don't measure happiness, others' success, and make them the standards for yourself, especially when you lack their conditions.
So, let's name happiness for ourselves by recognizing ourselves, our circumstances. Our grandparents, parents, the previous generation dreamed of a country free from war, independent and liberated, as happiness. Over time, the absence of gunfire in daily life became a wish named happiness. When somewhat content (even though poverty exists everywhere, including here), the surplus of food and drink, excesses of wealth also bring suffering, surplus weight and illness...That's life's irony, when enough becomes too much. Live in a way to 'desire less and know contentment' to avoid harming oneself and others, which is happiness. Wanting less, knowing when it's enough allows for generosity, regardless of circumstances.
And remember, we have a close relationship with others. If harming ourselves, don't just think about our own harm, but consider the negative consequences others must deal with. And, giving to others, don't think of it as losing something, but rather as sowing smiles, depositing into the bank of blessings, rejoicing in their shared happiness. Even seeing the joy of those who give, one can feel equally happy without envy, just as those who put effort, money into such acts.
Think this way to lighten your heart, try not to see everything as gloomy, even if everything seems dark, don't see it as something dismal, ignite a flame instead of cursing the darkness, return to the mirror to apologize to yourself for sowing what led to being surrounded by fear and disgust. That reason is the law of karma, it's natural to return and rise positively, don't bury yourself deeper in the midst of worldly sorrows...
Article on March 20th International Happiness Day #2
It's been a year since the government issued a document showing Vietnam's support for the United Nations resolution to designate March 20th as 'International Day of Happiness'. Before this event, each individual needs to contemplate, what can we do to make this day more meaningful in society, starting with ourselves and our families truly finding happiness to contribute to the happiness of others.
Firstly, each of us must live authentically, without deceit, schemes, manipulation, grudges, seeking to harm others for our own benefit, our families; we need to discard selfishness, pettiness, individualism; live genuinely, actively nurturing values of 'Humanity, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, Trust'; both cultivating ourselves and serving as an educational example for our children and those around us.
Each of us must live 'responsibly' from family to society, not indifferent to all circumstances, difficult situations, challenges. In the family, everyone must fulfill their roles and duties; ensure building a warm, equal, progressive, happy family; strive for excellence in life, nurturing both intellectual and economic wealth for the family. For society, it's necessary to fulfill the duties of citizens, assist the poor, the needy, actively contribute to building communal benefits and combating social ills, crimes, and promoting cultural life in the locality. As officials, civil servants, employees in the administrative system, political system of the Party, the State, apart from executing duties according to the law, Ho Chi Minh's morality, there needs to be a broad vision, ensuring development for the field, sector they are responsible for; serving with a servant heart to truly deserve to be servants rather than the 'masters' of the people; avoiding corruption, waste, minimizing negative incidents.
With the theme of 'Love and Sharing', each of us needs to correct our mistakes, inadequacies, and wrongdoings, only then can we awaken a conscience of love and sharing towards others. Only by doing so can the balance and harmony of International Happiness Day be truly meaningful.
Surely, after reading articles about International Happiness Day, you will feel touched and appreciate the moments of life even more.
International Happiness Day 2019 is approaching, don't forget to send heartfelt wishes or post International Happiness Day statuses to convey your thoughts to everyone.
