Our external life is organized based on two metrics. The first one is the amount of resources available to us and the second is our immediate social community. When conducive to fulfillment of our wishes, these two aspects lead to our happiness. When they are not, they make us unhappy. Available resources consist of our monetary wealth and material objects that can be purchased with it. Food, clothing, house, vehicle, entertainment, and other items that increase our comfort level belong to this category. Our social network consists of our spouse, children, parents, in-laws, friends, and acquaintances. If there is no dearth of resources and if our community supports us, we feel happy. Similarly, our internal life also has two wheels – our body and mind. For individual wellbeing, these two wheels need to be in good shape. Physical and mental afflictions lead to a confused and unhealthy internal state. A healthy body and a balanced mind lead to inner contentment and happiness. Resources, community, body, and mind–these constitute the four wheels of the chariot of life. To keep them healthy and well functioning, a healthy and balanced attitude is indispensable. In this sense, we may see our attitude as the all important charioteer. Therefore, a healthy attitude and dedication to high ideals will lead to individual, familial, as well as social happiness.
– Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
Akhand Jyoti Magazine Nov Dec 2013