7 Life Lessons from Premanand Maharaj That Lead to True Happiness
Ankit Gupta | Mar 02, 2025, 01:54 IST
Premanand Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader, has left behind profound wisdom that continues to inspire seekers of truth and happiness. His teachings emphasize love, detachment, devotion, and inner peace. Here are seven life lessons derived from his philosophy that can lead to true happiness.
1. The Power of Selfless Love
Maharaj believed that love is not just an emotion but a divine energy that connects all living beings. When we love selflessly, we align ourselves with the universal force of compassion and unity. This love is not limited to individuals but extends to all of creation, including animals, nature, and even those who may have wronged us.
Selfless love extends beyond personal relationships. It involves serving humanity, showing kindness to strangers, and cultivating a compassionate heart. By practicing selfless love, individuals break free from the chains of selfish desires and attain a state of inner bliss.
2. Surrender to the Divine
Surrender does not mean giving up or becoming passive. Instead, it means trusting that everything in life happens for a reason and is guided by divine wisdom. It is about recognizing that while we may have free will, there is a greater force at play, ensuring that all things unfold according to a divine plan.
When we surrender, we free ourselves from the burden of excessive worry. We stop resisting life’s natural flow and start embracing every situation as a lesson or a step toward spiritual growth.
By relinquishing the ego and acknowledging a higher power, individuals free themselves from stress and anxiety. This surrender brings peace of mind, as one no longer resists the natural flow of life. The ability to trust in divine grace fosters resilience, enabling one to navigate challenges with equanimity.
3. Detachment from Materialism
Maharaj advocated for a simple and content lifestyle. This does not mean avoiding comfort, but rather finding joy in what we already have. Contentment is the antidote to materialistic cravings—it teaches us that we already possess everything we need to be happy.
A person who is content does not feel inferior to someone wealthier, nor superior to someone with less. Instead, they live in a state of gratitude, using material things wisely while staying emotionally free from them.
Detachment does not mean renouncing all worldly pleasures but rather maintaining a balanced perspective. When we cease to be overly attached to possessions, status, or achievements, we experience inner freedom. Happiness then arises from within rather than being dependent on external circumstances.
4. The Practice of Meditation and Inner Stillness
Meditation is not just about sitting quietly; it is about stilling the mind and turning inward. Maharaj described meditation as a sacred practice that helps individuals detach from worldly distractions and align with their true essence. He taught that the mind, when left uncontrolled, constantly jumps between past regrets and future anxieties, preventing people from experiencing peace in the present moment.
Through meditation, one learns to observe thoughts without being controlled by them. This practice allows the mind to become calm, leading to greater clarity, emotional stability, and deep spiritual awareness.
By practicing daily meditation, one cultivates mindfulness and inner stillness. This not only enhances mental clarity but also fosters emotional stability. Meditation allows individuals to transcend their fears and insecurities, paving the way for lasting joy and fulfillment.
5. Living in the Present Moment
Maharaj often reminded his followers that God is found in the present. When we are fully present, we are in tune with the divine flow of life. Meditation, prayer, or simply sitting in stillness can deepen our connection to this eternal now.
Living in the present moment is not just a practice—it is a way of being, a state where we experience life as it truly is: pure, peaceful, and joyful.
Mindful living involves appreciating the simple joys of life—watching a sunset, listening to a melody, or feeling the warmth of a loved one’s embrace. When individuals become fully present, they develop gratitude for life’s blessings and experience true contentment.
6. Service to Others
Acts of service, whether big or small, have the power to uplift both the giver and the receiver. By dedicating time to helping those in need, individuals shift their focus from personal worries to the joy of giving. This not only strengthens human bonds but also brings about a deep sense of spiritual satisfaction.
7. Faith and Devotion
Faith and devotion lead to a life free from fear, doubt, and suffering. When we trust the divine completely and love selflessly, we experience unshakable inner joy—a happiness that no external situation can disturb.
Maharaj’s message was simple:
"Have faith like a mountain, love like an ocean, and serve like the sun—this is the path to true happiness."
Faith instills hope during difficult times and provides strength to overcome challenges. When individuals devote themselves wholeheartedly to a higher purpose, they transcend worldly sorrows and experience an everlasting state of bliss.