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Ananda (Samskrit: आनन्दः) is a term of great significance in Indian philosophical traditions and in other cultures. Across time and cultures, human beings attached great value to Ananda, roughly translated into happiness, pleasure etc., and have been trying to find it. In this process, philosophies have been developed, books have been written and teachings have been given. The ideas of happiness are closely linked with the larger framework of reality and human nature which one carries in their mind. Conceptualization of the nature of happiness and well-being primarily depend on the worldview one holds that lead to differing assumptions on the nature of reality and of human nature. It has varied across cultures on a spectrum ranging from hedonic to transcendent viewpoints.<ref>Salagame, Kiran Kumar, "Happiness and well-being in Indian tradition," ''Psychological Studies'' 51, no. 2-3, (2006): 105-112.</ref>
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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
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The pursuit of happiness has been the axiomatic reference of all human endeavors across cultures and timelines. In Indian traditions we quite often hear about सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः and लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु। lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu॥ let all the beings in all worlds be happy.
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The need to seek 'happiness' and be 'happy' through all one's actions is universally acknowledged as the main motivating force in the lives of people.<ref name=":0">Banavathy, V.K., Choudry, A. Understanding Happiness: A Vedantic Perspective. ''Psychol Stud'' 59, 141–152 (2014). <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-013-0230-x</nowiki></ref>
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Currently, the study of well-being ([[Svasthya (स्वास्थ्यम्)|Svasthya]]) and happiness (ananda, sukha) has acquired central focus in the discipline of psychology and more so in positive psychology as a subject.
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At present, there are two dominant approaches to human happiness and well‐being:
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* Hedonic perspectives
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* Eudaimonic perspectives
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The hedonic perspective with its roots in Hedonism – an ancient school of thought which argues that pleasure is the only intrinsic good, seeks to maximize one’s happiness by maximizing one’s pleasure and avoiding displeasures. Subjective Well-being (SWB) has been associated with the hedonistic approach. Wellbeing in itself refers to the optimal psychological experience and functioning of the individual. As it involves people evaluating themselves subjectively, the extent to which they experience a sense of wellness is termed as Subjective Well-being (SWB).<ref name=":0" />
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The eudaimonic perspective of happiness is defined as the highest good that one seeks and one ought to seek as the end in itself and not as a means to any other end. It results from a life based on virtuousness and contemplation. Psychological well-being (PWB) is the counterpart of SWB in the eudaimonic tradition.<ref name=":0" />
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Why does happiness matter?
 
Why does happiness matter?
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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.
 
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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== References ==
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[[Category:Yoga]]
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[[Category:Vedanta]]

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