Philosophy

Yoga Quotes on Happiness

In the fast-paced and stressful world we live in, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly brings us joy and contentment. With its focus on mindfulness, breath, and the connection between the body and mind, yoga can be a powerful tool in helping us tap into our inner happiness and find greater fulfilment in life.

In this article, we share some quotes from some of the greatest yoga masters and philosophers offering wisdom and inspiration on the path to happiness. We hope that they serve as a reminder to seek joy and embrace the present moment and inspire you to find your path to happiness.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Mahatama Gandhi

Meaning: One can achieve true happiness when one’s thoughts, words, and actions align. In other words, when what you believe and value are reflected in the way you speak and behave, you are likely to experience a sense of harmony and fulfilment within you. However, a disconnect between what you think and say can lead to inner conflict and unhappiness.

“Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door to peace, tranquillity, and joy.” – B. K. S. Iyengar

Meaning: Yoga, as we know, is a holistic practice that involves the body, mind, and spirit, and it can help us cultivate greater awareness, relaxation, and balance within ourselves. By practicing yoga, we can learn to let go of stress and tension and find greater inner peace and tranquillity.

“There is no path to happiness: happiness is the path.” – Buddha

Meaning: Happiness is not a destination we can reach, but rather a state of being that we can cultivate along the way. So, we must embrace the present moment and find joy and fulfilment in life’s journey, rather than constantly striving for some future goal or outcome.

“If you want to be sad, no one in the world can make you happy. But if you make up your mind to be happy, no one and nothing on earth can take that happiness from you.” – Paramahansa Yogananda

Meaning: Our happiness is largely within our control, and it is up to us to choose to be happy. The quote suggests that if we allow the external circumstances or other people to dictate our happiness, we will likely be unhappy because we are at the mercy of those things.

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – The Dalai Lama

Meaning: When one feels and shows empathy and concern for others – it can lead to happiness for both ourselves and others. Thus, we are more likely to cultivate positive feelings and a sense of connection and purpose. This can contribute to our happiness and overall well-being.

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Meaning: By cultivating a sense of mindfulness and focusing on the present, we can tap into a sense of happiness already within us. We develop mindfulness, which involves being present in the moment and fully aware of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” – Rumi

Meaning: By pursuing activities that are in line with our values and interests, we can tap into a sense of purpose and meaning that brings us joy. This is also a state of optimal experience that occurs when we are fully engaged and immersed in an activity that is challenging but achievable.

“When we see happiness in the happiness of others, that’s when we will be truly happy.” – Sri Sri Ravishankar

Meaning: When we can shift our attention from our happiness to the happiness of others, we can experience a deeper sense of connection. We understand and feel the selfless concern for the well-being of others.

“Make yourself so happy, that by looking at you, other people become happy.” ― Yogi Bhajan

Meaning: Our happiness can be contagious and can affect the mood and happiness of others as well. The quote encourages us to focus on our own self and happiness, as this can have a ripple effect on those around us.

“Be sincere in your thoughts, be pure in your feelings. You will not have to run after happiness. Happiness will run after you.” ― Sri Chinmoy

Meaning: When we are true to ourselves, we can experience life and its joys more. The quote implies that if we are genuine to our values, we will not have to actively seek happiness because it will come to us naturally.

“Happiness has nothing to do with success, happiness has nothing to do with ambition, happiness has nothing to do with money, power, prestige. Happiness has something to do with your consciousness, not with your character.” – Osho

Meaning: Happiness is not dependent on external factors such as success, ambition, or material possessions. Instead, the quote suggests that happiness is related to our consciousness or our state of being aware and present. The implication is that happiness is not determined by external circumstances or our character traits but rather by our inner experience and mindset.

“Many people think excitement is happiness…. But when you are excited you are not peaceful. True happiness is based on peace.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Meaning: We must understand that excitement and happiness are not the same things, and that true happiness is based on peace. Excitement and other intense emotions may bring temporary pleasure, but they are not sustainable sources of happiness. On the contrary, true happiness is more enduring and comes from a sense of inner peace.

Conclusion

The various yoga quotes on happiness highlight the importance of finding joy and contentment within ourselves and the world around us. The quotes emphasize the role of mindfulness, compassion, and authenticity in cultivating happiness and suggest that true happiness comes from a sense of peace and inner fulfilment rather than external circumstances or material possessions.

About the author

Navkiran Kaur