Happiness is a state of the mind. The dictionary definition is "feelings of joy and pleasure mingled together." A feeling of happiness is more than just an experience of joy and pleasure. It is a state of mind where the individual feels that "life is good."

The pursuit of happiness is one of the primary goals of all humans. Every religion and philosophy has offered its pathway to happiness. I've spent years searching for happiness, trying to assimilate what happiness is really all about and wishing for a time when I will finally have happiness. I have even tried to come up with some common prerequisites to sustained happiness as well as common causes of unhappiness. These usually transcend all classification of gender, age or race. There are other factors which are very individual specific. Happiness depends partly on external circumstances and partly on oneself.

Prerequsites of happiness:

Good health - This implies freedom from illnesses which can destroy zest in life. Good health results in vitality which can make living much more enjoyable. However, it is not necessary to be in peak physical condition like an athlete. Also, illnesses which do not continuously impinge on the consciousness will not affect the ability to be happy most of the time.

Sufficient income to meet basic needs - Basic needs vary from individual to individual. For somebody even an old car is a luxury while for another even a Mercedes is not enough. What is implied in this phrase is income to provide for reasonable food, shelter and clothing. What is "reasonable" will depend a lot upon attitude. Having more wealth or income than this "reasonable" amount may improve the level of happiness for some people. But it is not a prerequisite for happiness. On the other hand, excessive wealth may cause problems of its own.

Affection - Human are social beings. They need other persons to communicate and share experiences with. Basically they need other people who can make the individual feel he/she is OK. It is important to have at least one person whose affection you enjoy. This need not be a romantic relationship. A family member or a friend can also fill this need.

Some productive work or activity - Peope need some work or activity to give them the feeling of being productive and of making a difference to the world. This should not be drudgery and need not be paid work. Doing it should give the individual a feeling of achievement.

Good attitude - What is needed is a positive attitude - an attitude of being tolerant towards people, events or circumstances and not being a stickler or a perfectionist. It means not getting upset just because the world is not the way you want it. Your approach to situation is more important than the situation itself.

Defined goals - The key to any progress on the path to increased happiness is having a set of defined goals. These goals would be for all major aspects of life - health, financial, relationships, etc. and would be for various time periods, i.e., you need to have a goal about were you see yourself at the end of your life and then develop a set of intermediate goals. True happiness comes from steady progress towards meaningful goals.

Enthusiasm about whatever you are involved in, makes life much happier. Work does notseem a burden and the prde of achievement is enhanced. Work of various sorts occupies most of our waking time. Doing what you enjoy, makes work a pleasure, not a chore. The happiest person is he who makes a living doing what he loves. Look for an activities which do not benefit you personally, give a deep feeling of satisfaction and happiness. One example is to make a difference in the lives of people who are virtual strangers to you. That is why a lot of people volunteer their time, effort and money for various causes that do not affect them personally.

Despite having said it all, it seems happiness remains an elusive thing that most people find it hard to understand. Is happiness only for the chosen few? Where should we go and look for happiness? If only money can buy happiness...