Studying Happiness in Positive Psychology and Happiness in Buddhism

Abstract

This article aims to study concepts related to happiness from the perspectives of Positive Psychology and Buddhist Psychology, both of which describe the meaning and components of happiness experienced by individuals. The article will focus on defining the meaning and components of happiness based on the concepts of Martin Seligman, a renowned figure in Positive Psychology. Seligman explains that self-development in various aspects, such as identifying strengths and cultivating self-worth, which leads to personal progress and success, can ultimately lead an individual to happiness. Happiness is not merely about achieving temporary success or satisfaction, but rather about creating a meaningful life, filled with healthy relationships, which has five components: 1) Positive Emotion, 2) Engagement, 3) Relationships, 4) Meaning, and 5) Accomplishment. From the perspective of Buddhism, happiness is explained to have three core meanings: 1) A state of happiness and comfort, 2) A state free from suffering, without affliction, by eliminating or destroying suffering, and 3) A state where one can easily endure suffering. Furthermore, Buddhist happiness can be categorized into two types: physical happiness (sukha kāya) and mental happiness (sukha citta), and it can also be divided into ten levels: 1) Sensual happiness (Kāmasukha),  2) Happiness of the First Jhāna (Paṭhamajjhānasukha), 3) Happiness of the Second Jhāna (Dutiyajjhānasukha), 4) Happiness of the Third Jhāna (Tatiyajjhānasukha), 5) Happiness of the Fourth Jhāna (Catutthajjhānasukha), 6) Happiness of the Base of Infinite Space (Ākāsānañcāyatanasamāpattisukha), 7) Happiness of the Base of Infinite Consciousness (Viññāṇañcāyatanasamāpattisukha), 8) Happiness of the Base of Nothingness (Ākiñcaññāyatanasamāpattisukha), 9) Happiness of the Base of Neither Perception Nor Non-Perception (Nevasaññānāsaññāyatanasamāpattisukha), and 10) Happiness of the Cessation of Perception and Feeling (Saññāvedayitanirodhasamāpattisukha) Both of these forms of happiness are things that bring contentment and joy to humans. It is believed that a deeper understanding and appropriate cultivation of these states of happiness will be beneficial to individuals to a greater or lesser extent both concepts emphasize the development of the mind for inner peace and the completeness of life in the present. While Buddhism aims for permanent liberation from suffering, both concepts of happiness can be integrated to profoundly enhance human mental well-being, both psychologically and spiritually.