Finding Happiness Within: Diya or Jugnu – Which One Are You?

We’ve often been advised to keep everyone happy, to be like a diya’s cotton wick that burns itself to provide light to others. It sounds noble, but is this approach really right? Can an unhappy person genuinely make others happy?

Let’s Reimagine the Diya’s Perspective:

• Have you ever noticed the base of a diya? Despite spreading light, it remains dark.

• How long does a diya’s wick last? Only until the oil is there, a relatively short time.

• And what happens to the wick afterward? It gets consumed, burnt out.

• Does the diya’s wick light itself up to illuminate others, or is it lit by someone else?

Now, Let’s Contemplate the Jugnu (Firefly):

Jugnus also emit light, but they don’t sacrifice themselves to do so.

• Jugnus tend to last longer than a diya’s wick.

• They don’t light up just to provide light to others; their light arises from within, without external validation.

• The focus of jugnus is on the inside.

But what if a jugnu’s primary objective were solely to spread light to others? In this scenario, it would keep shining relentlessly, without regard for its own energy, ultimately leading to its depletion.

Now, what happens when a jugnu’s focus is on the inside?

In this case, the jugnu ensures it maintains adequate energy at all times. By keeping itself fulfilled, it indirectly spreads light. Even if you put it in a jar and cover it with a black cloth, it still continues to emit light. It doesn’t seek anyone’s validation.

Just like a Jugnu, a Happy Person…

A genuinely happy person doesn’t strive to spread happiness deliberately. Happiness naturally emanates from within, and it radiates without effort.

So, the question is: Do you want to be a diya or a jugnu? The choice is yours.

General Notes:

Upon closer examination, we find that those who seek to make others happy often derive their happiness from this act. Their ultimate goal is their own happiness. Whether you approach this end goal directly, indirectly, or get lost along the way, the choice is yours.

But here’s the lingering question: Can an unhappy person truly make others happy?

Answer: Can an empty water can water plants?