________________
8 * Towards Universal Happiness
Happiness is a complicated phenomenon whether material or spiritual. While a man is one, to divide his requirement of happiness into two is not necessarily a right thing. Man is a whole and he has to be dealt with accordingly to adequately explain the happiness that one derives from spiritual endeavours as against economic endeavours.
The society should move towards a theme on globalisation of happiness and peace, as against globalisation of economic power or business, free trade or laissez faire as being advocated in contemporary economic policy. The foundations of such a theme of universal happiness and harmony are as follows.
1. Community of Pure Souls - All humans/creatures are souls, and they are all equal in their potential. It is the deeds that make the differences. If this realisation comes, there will be love and reverence for each soul, rather than hatred, conflict or violence. This universalisation of community of souls needs popularisation. As against globalisation of violence, there has to be globalisation of happiness.
2. Ecology of Self - All religions agree that an individual is a soul and has something to do with good or bad deeds. If assumed to be soul, we have no option to become a nonsoul substance. Ecology of self is to be preserved. If no other option, then why not live in harmony and happiness, otherwise, we will make our lives utterly miserable.
3. Conflicts Defeat Purpose - Economics covers only satisfaction of fundamental needs and advocate devoting the rest of time to spiritual development of human beings. In absence of this objective, unlimited desires create social, economic and environmental chaos and conflicts defeating the very purpose of Economics.
