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== Means of happiness ==
 
== Means of happiness ==
Social sciences in general, but Neurosciences, Behavioural sciences, and Computational science take advantage of the theory of happiness.  
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Social sciences in general, but neurosciences, behavioural sciences, and computational science take advantage of the theory of happiness. The following three factors have found to be major factors in experiencing happiness.<ref name=":6" />
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What makes us happy?
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- Affluence in bio-psycho-social resource that determine the quality of living and prosperity
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Affluence in bio-psycho-social resource that determine the quality of living and prosperity
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- Autonomy in freedom to choose or in meaningful physical and mental engagements
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Autonomy in freedom to choose or in meaningful physical and mental engagements
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- Appreciation for life as a whole that determines life satisfaction (subjective wellbeing)
 
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Appreciation for life as a whole that determines life satisfaction (subjective wellbeing)
      
== Components of happiness ==
 
== Components of happiness ==
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The objectives of Indian texts such as Upanishads, on the other hand, give a suggestion and a way to the seeker to look within. They encourage reaching the state of Ananda through spiritual practices or mental exercises which are within the control of the individual rather than the external forces which are not under his or her control.<ref name=":1" />
 
The objectives of Indian texts such as Upanishads, on the other hand, give a suggestion and a way to the seeker to look within. They encourage reaching the state of Ananda through spiritual practices or mental exercises which are within the control of the individual rather than the external forces which are not under his or her control.<ref name=":1" />
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== Happiness and Psychology ==
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Science or Practice - Both
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Genotype or Phenotype - Gene for happiness
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Process or outcome - outcome is a target, targets change, process is memory based happiness, outcome is moment based happiness
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Thinking or Blinking -
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Mind or mindset - primal belief whether world is hostile
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Conclusions
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Insight (foe self) and awareness (about iothers)
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Sustain positve feeling and adapt to stressful experience
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Betweenness with interpersonal skill and within-ness
      
== Misconceptions about happiness ==
 
== Misconceptions about happiness ==
There are common misconceptions about happiness which greatly influence a person's state of mind.
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There are common misconceptions about happiness which greatly influence a person's state of mind. A few are listed below.<ref name=":6" />
 
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=== Myths about happiness ===
      
# Money and affluence brings about happiness
 
# Money and affluence brings about happiness
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# Freedom of choice enhances happiness
 
# Freedom of choice enhances happiness
 
# Longer vacations make us happier
 
# Longer vacations make us happier
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# Negative memories prevent us from being happy.
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# Pain reduces pleasure
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# Getting a dream job makes us happy
 
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Money increases happiness - happiness does not increase after a salary of 75K $ and begins to plateau after a decent salary
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Research has shown that money increases happiness to a certain extent - happiness does not increase after a salary of 75K $ per year as per some studies in the United States and that it begins to plateau after a decent salary.
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Researchers found that more than receiving a gift,  purchasing a gift increases happiness. This correlates with why the ancient Indian seers stressed on dana or the giving tradition. Biologists and neurologists found a neural link, that gets activated in creating happiness for others.<ref name=":6" />
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It is also known from studies that "some" choice and not "too many choices," enhance happiness. Research by Barry Schwatz has shown that too many choices create a burden on the cognitive abilities and cripple decision making capabilities.
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Regarding vacations, it has been found that a long vacation does not make one happier as memories mix together instead of momentary happiness.
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Forgiveness is an important trait that helps people overcome negative memories; studies show that forgiving people have better fitness and quality of life. Research also shows that forgiving others for mis-deeds reduces long-term stress and has a great unburdening effect.
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As for pain reducing pleasure, research has shown that relief from pain helps us recognize pleasure, and forms social bonds. While pain is inevitable suffering is optional.
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Receive a gift - purchasing a gift increases happiness not receiving, biologists and neurologists found a neural link, create happiness for others.
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Research points to the fact that everyone becomes habituated with novelty, excitement and learning in a new job, and soon one becomes unhappy.<ref name=":6" />
    
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
[[Category:Yoga]]
 
[[Category:Yoga]]
 
[[Category:Vedanta]]
 
[[Category:Vedanta]]

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