Happiness is important, because spiritual teachers of all ages spoke about it. For example, one of the books of Dalai Lama is called "The Art of Happiness". Another striking example is Beatitudes of Jesus, given in the Sermon on the Mount. We will discuss them later in these message.

I don't think that these great teachers had a secret agenda to lure us into religion which will ultimately make us suffer. Yes, it is true that many religious leaders in our world abuse their followers by presenting spiritual life in a negative way. For example, they may promise happiness in the afterlife only to those who submit to their authority. They may say that the world is evil, and therefore happiness cannot be rightfully achieved in this world. Existence of these falce teachers proves that every good and noble idea can be distorted. This is why we need to think and explore ideas for ourselves.

Quite often I meet individuals who tell me frankly that they don't like religion. I don't like it, too - if by religion they mean God who punishes certain people for their disbelief and rewards others for blind faith and thoughtless submission. I don't like religion which is against our world and against this life. I don't like religion which offends people by calling them miserable sinners rather than children of God. I don't like religion which abuses people and makes them unhappy.

If our religion makes us unhappy, we have all the rights to look for new ideas about God and the world - ideas which will prove to be deeper and more satisfying. For God wants us to be happy.

In search for happiness and satisfaction, we might consider Beatitudes, or Principles of Happiness outlined by Jesus. Someone called them be-attitudes, because they deal with our approach to life. They point us to the truth that happiness is a choice we all can make. Achievement of happiness requires mental and spiritual work, because old mental patterns should be uprooted and replaced by new habits. But it is a happy work, not a sad one.

Let us now listen to the voice of the Master:

Blessed are the poor in spirit! For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn! For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek! For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness! For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful! For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart! For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers! For they shall be called the sons of God.
Blessed are they who have been persecuted for righteousness sake! For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward in Heaven is great. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus explains what is happy, or "blessed" life - and gives specific directions how to obtain it. Even in spite of falce interpretations and distortions, these words continue to move and to inspire people of all social and religious backgrounds. What is their lesson for us? Let us continue our exploration the next week.