Thank you for joining us for the third lesson of The Kabbalah of You, "Happy to Be You: Exploring the Pursuit of Happiness."
The recording and powerpoint of the class is available @www.ChabadBrisbane.com/JLIaudio
Introduction:
Happiness is viewed as a 'right', but it's also an obligation. On a secular basis, its an obligation to our fellow man. On a religious basis, we are required to serve G-d with Joy. This Joy reflects the totality of the person being involved in our relationship with G-d, and it gives us the strength to overcome our internal struggles in that relationship. If we are obligated to be happy, how do we go about attaining happiness?
Changing Perspectives
Although we presently have a higher standard of living than previous generations, the 'happiness factor' is unchanged. Obviously simply having more doesn't lead to happiness. Why?
Happiness is a product of being true to yourself. As humans we have an animal element, but the true human is the transcendent Soul. Led by our animal perspective, we have a constant drive to pursue physical wealth and pleasure. But having more doesn't satisfy that drive and happiness is elusive. Because that is not who we are.
To start we must change perspectives and be humble in our approach. Then we can have gratitude for what we do have and for what G-d has given us. In our prayers we verbally acknowledge the simple basic elements of life that G-d has granted to us.
Be True to Yourself and Be Happy
If we feed the needs of our Soul through our relationship with G-d, helping others, doing Mitzvot, studying Torah we are then in touch with our true selves. This allows us to attain happiness on a regular basis.
I look forward to seeing you next week Monday, November 19, 7:30 pm for Lesson Four, "The Quest for G-d: Faith vs. Intellect."
Chanoch H Sufrin
JLI Facilitator
PS Please enjoy the video below of Dennis Prager discussing "The Happy Jew."
