The ‘Alchemy of Happiness’, is known in fairy-tales, as a magic formula used to turn base metal into gold. This mystical illustration symbolizes so beautifully the secret key to happiness, which has the power of transforming the iron ego into a golden awakening of the heart. Tuning the heart could be compared to the tuning of string instruments, where the strings are stretched to a higher pitch, whereas the tuning of the heart reaches an inner pitch, which is only heard when the doors of the heart are open and the mysterious absence of the self miraculously reveals the silent tone within.
Happiness means understanding the wants and needs of the physical body, discovering the many mysteries of the mind, and seeking unfoldment of loving hearts. The heart is like a dome, which re-echoes uplifting or disturbing experiences that become in time the characteristics of one’s own personality. Happiness is a privilege; it is also a birthright. Therefore, it certainly is our duty to try to be happy. There is however a difference between happiness experienced in particular circumstances, as opposed to unconditional happiness, where one’s consciousness is raised to a higher level than just the ‘I am happy’ concept, selfishly obtained at the cost of others.
When envying others, it should be remembered that, although one might have less happiness than those whom one envies, one would have to pay a higher price than expected for that same happiness. Therefore it is also essential to overcome unreasonable jealousy, which is comparable to a lock closing the doors of the heart, following which happiness becomes inaccessible. When wanting happiness for oneself, one is faced with specific conditions, such as sincerely appreciating all that one has been granted, and having compassion for those who are not so privileged as oneself.
Displeasure as a result of one’s own pessimistic attitude causes obstructions, which could be overcome with wisdom, will-power, perseverance and insight into one’s own errors, rather than blaming others for one’s unhappiness. One of the many methods for overcoming displeasure is to focus one’s thoughts elsewhere than just upon oneself, and to ask oneself what could one do for others.
Among the many gifts of happiness, there is also the ‘Grace of Destiny’. This favor, which is sometimes meaninglessly bestowed upon the chosen ones, also has its price to pay in terms of responsibilities, which are unexpectedly placed on the path. Furthermore, glamorous destinies, as well as tragic ones, also appear to be contradictory to human interpretation of Divine Justice, which can only be justified, when considered intuitively from a mystical perspective.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
