True happiness is the highest form of self-sacrifice.
There, in that state, there is no sense of self
—not even awareness that you are happy.
True happiness is somewhere beyond “knowing.”
Beyond self.
All the more so when you bring joy to others.
The fact is people are born more optimistic, or pessimistic. Even from before they were born. Nature 100% shapes, nurtures, and even alters these intrinsic personality traits..
2 people miss a plane, and have extreme opposite reactions. But wait, they missed the Same plane... Ah! People are People...
Being happy is more of a struggle for some....
Reply
One thing we must know that G_d is G_d and we are not and must be at peace with Him before we can have peace with ourselves or anyone. Reply
Agreed. Sometimes it is good to be a little kooky, and it is contagious. Reply
Although I am not Jewish I have learned much more and better not only the Torah but the whole concept of getting to know not only myself but others as well. Most people like myself when they read the Torah or Bible only get the surface but if I read some of the articals in Chabad its like seeing the blueprint and not just a sketch. Chabad has brought more light into my study and life. Thank you Chabad. Reply
over committed I "ve made the sacrifice several times. It's bitter and i'm quite tired of it. So tired, i didn't fast today. So bitter I dropped out of hebrew class. I haven't gone to shul and I barely keep shabbot. I used to have inner happiness knowing good was going to happen. But our own Jewish people have wronged others. I don't think anything can fix a selfish world. I've stood up and fought for righteousness and suffered very much for it. I have lost friends and furthermore no one cares about standards. Reply
Some of us care about standards but we are probably in the very same “boat” as you, Let us just say that the world is a big fat Sodom from close family members to upstairs neighbors. It is tiring, isn’t it trying to be giving in that atmosphere where people would rather take a thing by force or connivance rather than accept it as a warm gift. But nevermind that! When we stew about that, let us also remember that G-d sees and knows all; that He has His purpose for things and every person; that everything and everyone is under His command; and, that this earthly existance is not forever! Soon it will be over, thank G-d. And the scars of suffering and loneliness that we earned here will be badges of honor valued by Hashem.
If you are still on the boards here, how are you?
Reply
You have to be true to yourself, it’s not about sacrifices, it’s not about fighting, it’s just about being your true good self. Only when you are truly happy from the inside put can you lead by example and ispire others to be happy. And, always give without any expectations, otherwise you set yourself up for disappointment. You can’t save the world, but if you help one person at the time, within your capacities and unique gifts and talents, you will not burn out. I have been in your shoes at some point. Now my perspective has greatly evolved. Good luck and be a winner agaiin soon. Reply
Highest Happiness Dwells BETWEEN Us
Kabbalists tell us that true love does not really exist until you make room for it by moving beyond your self. Then that force of love appears in that empty space above your self to join us in unity.
That place where the force of love appears is where we feel the revelation of the Creator - we feel it as the highest joy BETWEEN us. It needs 3 conditions : you, me and the Creator bonded as one.
Reply
Self!
God made man and said it was good. Who are you to say that you know better than GOD who made man along with the self. Are you saying that GOD made a mistake?
I don't like this self abrogation/self sacrifice business because it is way to eastern and not really a Jewish concept. When GOD talks to us in the Torah he talks to the YOU (the self).
Lastly the statement happiness is somewhere beyond “knowing.” is not logical because you know you are happy! And it is escapist.
Happiness is not a goal. If you follow the Torah and are really grateful to see GOD's hand in your life , you are beyond the need for happiness and any of those other pesky emotions that are the true home of the yetzer harah.
Reply
Definition of Happiness Is True Happiness, "Virtue?" Aligning self to virtue that is God? Reply
A deduction about happiness. The Highest Happiness is tantamount to say: True Happiness. Then, I want to understand that the Highest Happiness is a kabbalistic happiness only attainable by the Tzadik. Reply
True happiness Treu happiness is, when a person reach to know and understand, What, why, how and who. Reply
Happiness is joy in writing a check to charity, not expecting, praying, or even thinking about getting anything in return. Happiness is when you wrap your arms around a stranger and tell them G d loves you and so do I. Happiness is when you clean your closets out and give every thing you know you’ll never wear to the poor and the needy. Happiness is when you visit a rest home and volunteer your time reading to a person who barely gets a visitor. Happiness is when you invite a neighbor that’s not even your best friend over to dinner. True happiness is anytime you put the other person before yourself, and last but not least true happiness is when you humble yourself before G d and ask for prayer for those people who’re your enemies, those who curse you and even lie about you, but you ask G d to put love and forgiveness in your heart and to remember them in your daily prayers.
Amen to that sister I wouldn’t have said it better, 100% my way of thinking.