The Happiness Podcast 37 - What You Call Happiness ... Isn''t
Jan 23, 2020
A reflection on Anthony DeMello's idea that what we call happiness is often mere excitement tied to people or events. The talk contrasts un-caused, un-selfconscious joy with self-aware striving. It explores how effort can change behavior but not being, and how vigilant awareness, abandonment of craving, and nature’s timing allow authentic inner change.
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Happiness Is Uncaused And Unselfconscious
- True happiness is uncaused and not the thrill from people or events; what we call happiness is excitement tied to causes.
- Paul Coutinho explains true happiness is un-selfconscious and not within ordinary consciousness, contrasting caused thrills with uncaused joy.
Virtue Dies When You Notice It
- Genuine virtue and holiness are unselfconscious and effortless; awareness of being good turns it sour into self-righteousness.
- Coutinho uses the left-hand/right-hand image: real goodness acts naturally without the left hand knowing the right hand's deed.
Use Awareness Not Effort To Change
- Stop trying to force inner change; use awareness and understanding to dissolve unhappiness, pride, fears, and attachments.
- Coutinho lists outcomes: understanding unhappiness brings happiness, pride yields humility, fears melt into love, attachments free you.
