Happiness depends to some extent upon external conditions,
but chiefly upon mental attitudes. In order to be happy one
should have good health, a well-balanced mind, a
prosperous life, the right work, a thankful heart, and above
all, wisdom or knowledge of God.
Paramahansa Yogananda—The Law of Success
Besides external circumstances, a few things are in our control and a few are not
A good health – partly in our control. Eating right. Weight control partly in our control not smoking. And not drinking. Yet exposure to some diseases, auto immune disease, asthma etc are not in our control
Balanced mind – comes from proper interpretation of scriptures, Gita, Bible
Prosperous life – more our attitude
Right work – honest living and working honestly.
Having said that, the true Yogi care for nothing
Vishnutirthji Maharaj – one of the greatest yogi – could only get and eat meager food mostly meant for cow fodder grain. Yet he was happy. I feel miserable – I have no endurance compared to them
Who knows how many births it will take
Also read the tiger episode of Vivekananda. No food or water for 3 days! Yet so loving to God and Guru.
Think how fallen the rest of the world is!
Bhavin