Happiness is one of the many answers to the enduring question: what is the purpose of life? People of all different backgrounds and cultures have one goal in common, to achieve happiness. In order to do so, one must ask what creates happiness, and what exactly is it? It is a term that is used so often that it can be confused with other emotions and completely misused. For the purpose of this essay the definition of happiness, as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “a state of well-being and contentment or a pleasurable or satisfying experience.” (Merriam-Webster's dictionary, 2017). When applying this definition to the faiths and philosophies from around the globe, there are many prominent similarities and differences in how they believe …show more content…
Of course, the definition of detachment varies between the Buddhist faith and the Stoic philosophy. For instance, a common misconception is that Buddhism is extremely anti-attachment; however, the reality is that it depends on what one is being attached to. According to the Na Tumhaka Sutta, “Your letting go of it will be your long-term happiness and benefit” (Bhikkhu). The “it” in this quote is in reference to any materialistic entity that does not belong to oneself. In essence, anything that is material or does not belong to them should be withheld. Nonetheless, the Buddhist faith does allow for attachment under the condition that it is based out of love and compassion rather than possessiveness and selfishness (Ghose 115-120). This requires creating a fine balance between knowing what one loves and what one is attached to purely out of materialism. Relating back to happiness, if one loses a possession that they were attached to out of materialist ideals, chances are that one would feel anger and jealousy. These are two emotions that would take away from one’s overall happiness. Regardless, if someone was attached to a family member or longtime friend out of love, being with that person would provide one with feelings of contentment and well-being. Therefore, being attached to loved ones provided happiness. However, this begs the question that if someone were to lose someone that they loved, then wouldn’t they feel mourning and pain? Wouldn’t it negatively impact someone’s happiness? It is at this point where the Stoic philosophy differs from the Buddhist