Most of us find it difficult, if not impossible, to truly be at peace in our lifetime because we don’t realize the secret till it’s too late.

True peace, happiness, and contentment come from within us, not from our surroundings or what we have. And this is something that Gautama Buddha spent a lifetime preaching in the 6th century B.C., through his philosophy of Buddhism.

During his enlightenment, Buddha found answers to three universal questions, and this is what he preached: the three universal truths.

1)    Nothing is lost in the universe: Whatever we put out in the universe comes back to us in some form, either good or bad.

2)    Everything changes: Nothing is constant. Neither the earth, nor the universe, and nor our lives.

3)    Law of cause and effect: If we do good deeds, then good comes back manifold. If we do evil, then evil will come back to us. This is what we know as Karma.

Following this, he preached the four noble truths.

1)    Dukkha: Suffering exists. It is real and universal, and the reasons are innumerable.

2)    Samudaya: Every suffering has a cause. It is because of desire and attachment.

3)    Nirodha. There is an end to suffering once you overcome attachment.

4)    Magga. To end suffering, you must follow the eight-fold path.

But to accomplish the four noble truths, you need to follow the eightfold path, which goes as follows and teaches the ideals for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and achieving wisdom:

•  Right thought (Samma sankappa)

•  Right speech (Samma vaca)

•  Right action (Samma kammanta)

•  Right livelihood (Samma ajiva)

•  Right effort (Samma vayama)

•  Right mindfulness (Samma sati)

•  Right concentration (Samma samadhi)

If this sounds like a very complicated route to follow, think about this: when was the last time you were truly happy? Happiness does not usually come easy, and when it does, it can be difficult to hold on to it. So having a clear system for it can be the perfect way to make sure you maintain the inner peace and mental balance needed for a happy life, and finally reconnect with yourself.