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P A Verghese's avatar

Interesting that you felt emboldened to write about something as vast as Happiness, something that we humans have contemplated from time immemorial, from the lowly common man to the high-brow philosophers. If there is one common feature that binds us all, it’s the relentless pursuit of happiness. In fact there is a wonderful novel by that name by Chris Gardner. And a movie to boot.

True Happiness if there is some such thing is one that comes from within. What we feel from recognition by others is short-lived. Also true of the feelings triggered by our senses… the happiness/joy from the smell and taste of freshly brewed Filter Coffee (or even reading one), or listening to a divine rendition of ‘Kurai onrum illai’ by M S Subbalakshmi, or the sight of trees of green and red roses blooming, or that sensual touch from a loved one….Your distinction between happiness and joy is apt.

Happiness can come from the little everyday things around us as also from the deep contemplation of becoming one with God Almighty.

Thanks, I was happy to read your piece. You managed not to sound too profound and yet captured the essentials.

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M R Prasanna's avatar

Wow! Your observations supplement my line of thought. Thank you very much for sharing your perspective and encouraging me.

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Krupa Murthy's avatar

Hi Prasanna,

Happiness is multidimensional! To me it is a state of mind.

I am happy to see a smile of a baby, gurgling of an infant, love at first sight, the first rays of the Sun , the first drizzle after a blazing Summer, feeding a hungry child and I can go on and on!!!!

Yesterday was my first outing since March '20. I was blissful!

Last but not the least, the first sip of Filter Coffee on a Sunday morning which has never been monotonous or dreary🤗

God bless you Prasanna ❤️

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Krupa Murthy's avatar

Hi Prasanna,

Happiness is multidimensional! To me it is a state of mind.

I am happy to see a smile of a baby, gurgling of an infant, love at first sight, the first rays of the Sun , the first drizzle after a blazing Summer, feeding a hungry child and I can go on and on!!!!

Yesterday was my first outing since March '20. I was blissful!

Last but not the least, the first sip of Filter Coffee on a Sunday morning which has never been monotonous or dreary🤗

God bless you Prasanna ❤️

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M R Prasanna's avatar

Thank you Krupa for those lovely instances that evoke a happy feeling. So right you are.

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NISHA's avatar

The latter part of your article today reminded me of the movie Pursuit of Happiness, which is portrayed more Pursuit of Success leading to Happiness, but is grounded in the bond of love and sacrifice between father and son.

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M R Prasanna's avatar

Excellent observation which adds a new perspective. Thank you.

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Mani Srinivasan's avatar

I like the new definition of ‘throwing in the towel’ having witnessed it myself.. 😉

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M R Prasanna's avatar

..and you throw a fit if you don't find the towel when scamper in.

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