MISSION HAPPINESS

I served the Bank for thirty-five years. It provided me bread and butter and gave me a respectable place in the society. As I was nearing my retirement, a thought of giving back came to my mind. I wanted to make others happy.

Laughter yoga generates a lot of feel good hormones, positive vibes, and cheer. It is a unique concept where any one can laugh for no reason, without the use of jokes, comedy, or humour. I learned the art and science of laughter yoga along with my wife and we soon practised it in small and large groups. We conducted laughter sessions for Nestle, Abercrombie & Kent, Airports Authority of India, schools and colleges, international students, and, of course, our own Bank. It gave us great satisfaction and fulfilment.

Positive psychology is the modern science of happiness. I was always fascinated by it and studied it in great depth after retirement. It taught me to engage deeply in work, play and parenting and to devote my life to a meaningful purpose. We thought of giving even more to the people around us for which we travelled to the Himalayas to learn yoga and meditation.

The Buddha always inspired me, and I wanted to go deeper and deeper into his teachings. It was like a vast ocean and a small drop from the Dhammapada was sufficient to quench my spiritual thirst:

“Abstain from all unwholesome deeds,

Perform wholesome ones,

Purify your mind.

This is the teaching of the Enlightened Ones.”

We conduct sessions on happiness and well-being in the neighbourhood and wherever we are invited. These sessions include inputs from positive psychology, laughter yoga, yoga, meditation, and spirituality. We feel happy and content serving our fellow beings. At the same time, these exercises keep us fit too. Our gratitude to the Bank that provides us safety and security even at this age.

 

-       Jagat Singh Bisht 

You Too Can Be A Buddha!

Every person seeks happiness, peace and harmony. But often stumbles upon misery, stress and dis-content. Then, starts a journey. Each one takes a different route.

The most common route leads to a pleasant life. A life of material comfort and luxury. One studies in a good school, goes to the university and finds a rewarding job and climbs up and up the ladder. Or, he starts his own business, and flourishes. Such a life is a life full of pleasures. At times, this person wonders – am I really happy?

You may choose a different track. The road less traveled. You are passionate about something and love doing it. You get so absorbed in the activity that you lose track of time, even yourself. Such a life is a life of flow, an engaged life. You may find gratification in sport, science, design, or cooking. This is good life. One uses her signature strengths on an ongoing basis and feels happy.

Some others search for meaning in their lives. They have the greater good of humanity in their minds. They seek happiness for themselves and all around them. They strive for, and acquire, right wisdom and are full of compassion for others. One such enlightened soul visited this planet about two thousand and five hundred years ago. He saw misery all around and, by deep meditation, discovered a way out of it. That is why he is known as ‘Tathagata’ – one who has walked the Path and known the Truth! The path is the eight-fold noble path of morality, mindfulness and wisdom. Such a life is a meaningful life.

Swami Vivekananda, it seems, preferred a meaningful life over others. He once said, “They only live who live for others. Others are more dead than alive!”

But you may choose the life you wish to live. You can choose a pleasant life, or an engaged one, or a life full of meaning. You can aspire to be a Buddha, and you too can become a Buddha – the Enlightened One! The choice is totally yours.

As the Enlightened One blessed us: Bhavatu sabba mangalam! May all beings be happy!

Jagat Singh Bisht

Founder: LifeSkills

“Skills for a happier and meaningful life!”

Happiness Coach & Laughter Yoga Master Trainer

coolbisht@hotmail.com

+91 73899 38255