What most of us desire in life is to live happily, and often as we try to
satisfy this desire, we do encounter obstacles that make our efforts
complicated. This can lead to frustration and causes us to suffer
because it stands in the way of our satisfaction. Wisdom can help us
to understand our suffering and to cope with it. Wisdom allows us
to adapt and reason in the toughest of circumstances. Happiness then
becomes achievable despite circumstances.
Religion is also another way of understanding our suffering, and it does serve
the same purpose differently. What is the difference between
these two – wisdom and religion? The main difference is the way
both of these define the meaning of life and portray suffering. As
per most concepts of religion, suffering comes from a state of
worldly imperfection that directly contradicts the desire of humans
for happiness. Life becomes meaningful only if it is a means to a
heavenly end, and it requires a life of virtue to prepare for the
bliss that comes after life. Hereafter has a transcendental nature
that most people who have religion believe. It is this transcendental
nature that does not allow man to come up up with any conclusive
evidence.
Wisdom, however, is independent of religion, though in many ways it can
complement it. Wisdom says that life has meaning, even if it is
imperfect, and it is this imperfection that you need to accept. Value
this imperfection, because gradually you will realize through wisdom
that perfection itself is not infinitely desirable. Perfect happiness excludes any form of complication or suffering. Is that a condition that can ever exist? Happiness is more about grasping every opportunity with courage and being victorious over every obstacle that stands in the way of success. This victory can be strenuous, is often limited, and transitory, and may not even last for
a long time.
We grow wiser as we constantly survive and get over the obstacles that life
throws at us. It is this survival that is life and on what human
sense is built. We need to be clear about our purpose in life if we
want to be happy. It is only then that we can have the determination
and passion that allows us to succeed in every endeavor so that
you can achieve happiness.
