If we define happiness as a state of inner peace regardless of outer circumstances, then, yes, Eckhart Tolle’s idea of presence is a state of happiness. Happiness does not always mean constant ecstatic bliss. It can be a state of underlying joy regardless of how our ego-minds rush forward into the future or obsess about the past. Even if we are in prison or being tortured, we can maintain a state of presence that diminishes the suffering.
This means that we are able to be clearly here and now. This is a very difficult state for the ego-mind, which relies on fear for its nourishment. But when there is fear, happiness cannot exist. They cannot be in the same space. Fear is what amplifies our pain and increases our suffering. Happiness and suffering are mutually exclusive.
The only place we can find happiness is in the present moment. As Eckhart Tolle points out, the past no longer exists and the future does not exist either. We only have the present moment, regardless of how our ego-minds kick and scream. There is nothing else. Realizing this allows for a clarity of vision that is not clouded by illusions that there is something better than right now.
We cannot control our outer circumstances. There will always be global disasters and interpersonal strife. The only thing we have control over is how present we can be. If we are not in control, the ego-mind will take us down a painful and meaningless path. The Eternal Now is all we have ever had. And if we cannot recognize this, no matter how much wealth we accumulate or worldly honors, we will never be happy.
This means that we are able to be clearly here and now. This is a very difficult state for the ego-mind, which relies on fear for its nourishment. But when there is fear, happiness cannot exist. They cannot be in the same space. Fear is what amplifies our pain and increases our suffering. Happiness and suffering are mutually exclusive.
The only place we can find happiness is in the present moment. As Eckhart Tolle points out, the past no longer exists and the future does not exist either. We only have the present moment, regardless of how our ego-minds kick and scream. There is nothing else. Realizing this allows for a clarity of vision that is not clouded by illusions that there is something better than right now.
We cannot control our outer circumstances. There will always be global disasters and interpersonal strife. The only thing we have control over is how present we can be. If we are not in control, the ego-mind will take us down a painful and meaningless path. The Eternal Now is all we have ever had. And if we cannot recognize this, no matter how much wealth we accumulate or worldly honors, we will never be happy.
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