The Secret to Happiness Isn’t Laughter: Dozens Of Deeper Truths

It’s a common notion within the laughter community that laughter might well be the key to happiness.

I beg to differ with this oversimplified cliché.

Laughter has immense value, yes, but it’s crucial to recognize it as a means to enrich our journey, not the ultimate goal or solution.

For lasting happiness and fulfillment, we need to dig deeper. Focus less on laughter and more on the energy behind your actions. Live deeply. Do your smiles and laughs come from your soul, or from ego and superficiality? What values and principles guide you?

With this perspective, I’m sharing below insights from varied cultures with the intention to inspire you. All are the fruits of hard-won wisdom by countless generations. While each deserves volumes of exploration, this article offers a starting point.

My humble advice: Don’t rush by speed-reading everything in this list. Select 1 piece of wisdom that attracts your attention and strive to embody it for a while if you resonate with it. Return to this article only when you feel ready for more. Remember, simply acquiring information isn’t the same as true understanding. Wisdom comes from lived experience—give it the time it deserves.

This is how you’ll transform your laughter into a true reflection of a life lived to its fullest.

Article Index

Spiritual foundations

This section delves into the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that have been guiding people in their search for meaning, connection, and a deeper understanding of the universe for countless generations.

Ethical and Moral Guidelines

Here are principles that guide responsible and compassionate living. The collection below explores ethical frameworks and moral codes from various perspectives. These guidelines are designed to empower people to navigate life’s choices with integrity, respect, and a commitment to building a better world for all.

Paths to Personal Growth

Embark on a journey of self-discovery with the following collection of diverse tools and wisdom traditions. Explore practices that spark curiosity, reflection, and a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world.

More, From Diverse Spiritual Traditions

The world is a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom, and what I’ve just shared above is just a glimpse into the vastness of human insight. Here is some additional wisdom from around the world.

Spiritual Foundations

The Ten Commandments (Judaism and Christianity)

1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shalt not covet.

The Five Precepts (Buddhism)

1. Abstain from taking life.
2. Abstain from taking what is not given.
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. Abstain from false speech.
5. Abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

The Four Pillars of Zoroastrianism

1. Good Thoughts.
2. Good Words.
3. Good Deeds.
4. Silence (as a form of respect to the divine).

The Threefold Training (Buddhism)

1. Sīla: Virtue, good conduct, morality. This encompasses ethical behavior and living in harmony with others and oneself.
2. Samādhi: Concentration, meditation practices. This involves developing mental concentration and mindfulness through various forms of meditation.
3. Prajñā: Wisdom, insight, understanding of the true nature of reality. This is the cultivation of deep understanding and insight into the nature of existence, leading to enlightenment.

The Three Pure Precepts (Zen Buddhism)

1. Do no harm.
2. Do good.
3. Do good for others.

The Four Bodhisattva Vows (Mahayana Buddhism)

1. Beings are numberless, I vow to save them. (However numerous wandering beings are in the expanse of the three worlds, work to save them.)
2. Desires are inexhaustible, I vow to end them. (Fight against one’s evil inclinations.)
3. Dharma gates are boundless, I vow to enter them. (Dedicate oneself to study to the utmost.)
4. Buddha’s way is unsurpassable, I vow to become it. (Perfect oneself as much as possible.)

The Four Agreements (Toltec Wisdom)

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.

The Four Immeasurable (Buddhism)

1. Loving-kindness: Wishing happiness for others.
2. Compassion: Wishing to relieve others of suffering.
3. Joy: Being happy for others’ happiness and success.
4. Equanimity: Maintaining a calm and even mind.

The Native American Ten Commandments

1. Treat the Earth and all that dwell therein with respect.
2. Remain close to the Great Spirit.
3. Show great respect for your fellow beings.
4. Work together for the benefit of all humankind.
5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
6. Do what you know to be right.
7. Look after the well-being of mind and body.
8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.
9. Be truthful and honest at all times.
10. Take full responsibility for your actions.

Ethical and Moral Guidelines

The Eightfold Path (Buddhism)

1. Right Understanding: Grasping the true nature of reality and the path of liberation.
2. Right Intent: Committing oneself to ethical and mental self-improvement.
3. Right Speech: Speaking truthfully, harmoniously, and kindly.
4. Right Action: Engaging in behaviors that are peaceful, honest, and respectful.
5. Right Livelihood: Making a living through ethical and non-harmful means.
6. Right Effort: Cultivating positive states of mind; preventing and overcoming negative states.
7. Right Mindfulness: Developing awareness of the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.
8. Right Concentration: Practicing meditation to develop deeper concentration and mental focus.

The Six Paramitas (Mahayana Buddhism)

1. Generosity: Giving and sharing unselfishly.
2. Ethics: Observing moral precepts and behaving virtuously.
3. Patience: Enduring hardship and insult without anger.
4. Effort: Diligently pursuing virtue and enlightenment.
5. Concentration: Practicing meditation and focusing the mind.
6. Wisdom: Developing insight into the true nature of reality.

Yamas (Yoga Philosophy / Restraints)

1. Ahimsa: Non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
2. Satya: Truthfulness, honesty.
3. Asteya: Non-stealing, respecting others’ possessions and time.
4. Brahmacharya: Moderation, particularly in relation to sexual conduct.
5. Aparigraha: Non-covetousness, freedom from greed.

Niyamas (Yoga Philosophy / Observances)

1. Saucha: Purity and cleanliness of body and mind.
2. Santosha: Contentment with what one has.
3. Tapas: Discipline and perseverance in one’s practices.
4. Svadhyaya: Self-study and introspection.
5. Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender to a higher power or the acceptance of a higher will.

The Four Cardinal Virtues (Platonism and Christian Philosophy)

1. Prudence: Wisdom in discerning the proper course of action.
2. Justice: Fairness and giving others their due.
3. Fortitude: Courage to face difficulty with perseverance.
4. Temperance: Moderation in controlling desires and appetites.

The Eight Virtues of Bushido (Samurai Ethical Code)

1. Righteousness: Being just and moral in one’s actions.
2. Courage: Facing fear and acting morally and ethically.
3. Benevolence: Compassion and kindness towards others.
4. Respect: Showing consideration and regard for others.
5. Honesty: Speaking and acting truthfully.
6. Honor: Living and dying with dignity and integrity.
7. Duty: Fulfilling one’s responsibilities to others and oneself.
8. Self-control: Exercising restraint over one’s emotions and desires.

The Five Constants (Confucian Virtues)

1. Ren (Humaneness): Empathy and consideration for others.
2. Yi (Righteousness): Knowing and doing what is right.
3. Li (Ritual Propriety): Observing social rituals and norms.
4. Zhi (Knowledge): Seeking understanding and wisdom.
5. Xin (Integrity): Being honest and faithful.

The Principles of Ma’at (Ancient Egyptian Virtues)

1. Truth.
2. Justice.
3. Harmony.
4. Balance.
5. Order.
6. Reciprocity.
7. Propriety.

The Noble Eight Virtues (Asatru, Norse Paganism)

1. Courage.
2. Truth.
3. Honor.
4. Fidelity.
5. Discipline.
6. Hospitality.
7. Industriousness.
8. Self-reliance.

The Seven Grandfather Teachings (Anishinaabe Culture)

1. Wisdom: To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom.
2. Love: To know peace is to know Love.
3. Respect: To honor all creation is to have Respect.
4. Bravery: To face the foe with integrity is to be Brave.
5. Honesty: To be honest in facing a situation is to be Brave.
6. Humility: To know yourself as a sacred part of Creation is to know Humility.
7. Truth: To know all of these things is to know Truth.

The Three Jewels of Taoism

1. Compassion: Showing kindness and empathy towards others.
2. Moderation: Finding a middle way, avoiding extremes.
3. Humility: Recognizing one’s place in the world without excessive pride.

The Five Virtues (Sikhism)

1. Truth: Honesty and integrity in all dealings.
2. Compassion: Empathy and kindness towards all beings.
3. Contentment: Satisfaction with what one has.
4. Humility: A modest view of one’s own importance.
5. Love: Unconditional love for everyone without discrimination.

Paths to Personal Growth

The Seven Principles of Huna (Hawaiian Spirituality)

1. IKE: The world is what you think it is. Understanding that perception shapes our reality.
2. KALA: There are no limits. Embracing the limitless potential of the mind and spirit.
3. MAKIA: Energy flows where attention goes. Concentrating energy and focus to manifest intentions.
4. MANAWA: Now is the moment of power. Living fully in the present moment.
5. ALOHA: Make love a core principle in your life, recognizing that by actively sharing it, you create deep inner happiness for yourself and contribute to a more loving world for all.
6. MANA: All power comes from within. Acknowledging the innate power and strength within each individual.
7. PONO: Effectiveness is the measure of truth. Valuing the practical outcomes and effectiveness of our beliefs and actions.

The Five Strengths (Buddhism)

1. Faith: Trust in the path, the teachings, and one’s own potential.
2. Diligence: Persistent effort in the practice and in cultivating virtues.
3. Mindfulness: Continuous awareness of the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.
4. Concentration: The ability to focus the mind steadily on a single object or task.
5. Wisdom: Deep understanding of the nature of reality, leading to enlightenment.

The Seven Social Sins (Mahatma Gandhi)

1. Wealth without work: Encouraging earning through meaningful effort.
2. Pleasure without conscience: Advocating for ethical enjoyment.
3. Knowledge without character: The importance of virtues alongside education.
4. Commerce without morality: Promoting ethical business practices.
5. Science without humanity: Using scientific knowledge for the good of all.
6. Religion without sacrifice: Emphasizing selflessness in spiritual practice.
7. Politics without principle: Upholding integrity in governance and leadership.

The Four Insights (Incan Shamanism)

1. The Way of the Hero: Discovering your personal power and responsibility.
2. The Way of the Luminous Warrior: Overcoming fear and practicing peace.
3. The Way of the Seer: Learning to see the world without distortion.
4. The Way of the Sage: Understanding that all life is interconnected.

The Triple Filter Test (Socratic Method)

1. Truth: Is what you’re about to say true?
2. Goodness: Is what you’re about to say good or beneficial?
3. Usefulness: Is what you’re about to say necessary and helpful?

…and of course:

Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

Found across many traditions, these practices focus on cultivating a state of attentive awareness to the present moment, fostering peace, and enhancing personal insight.

The Practice of Gratitude

Emphasized in various spiritual and philosophical teachings, the practice of gratitude involves recognizing and appreciating the value of life and the blessings one receives, contributing to positive mental health and well-being.

Studying Sacred Texts

Engaging with sacred texts across different religions provides deep insights into the spiritual and moral wisdom of the ages, offering guidance and reflection for personal growth.

Spiritual Discernment

Found within Christian mysticism and other traditions, this practice involves seeking divine guidance in making decisions and understanding life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of inner wisdom and divine presence in personal development.

Community Service and Social Engagement

Many spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of selfless service and active engagement in community welfare as a means of personal growth and the cultivation of compassion and empathy towards others.

More, From Diverse Spiritual Traditions

African Philosophical and Spiritual Wisdom

• Ancestral Veneration: Many African cultures hold deep respect for ancestors, seeing them as guides and protectors, which teaches the importance of heritage, memory, and intergenerational wisdom.
• Ubuntu: An African philosophy that means “I am because we are,” highlighting the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. It emphasizes compassion, respect, and community values.

Celtic Spirituality

• Anam Cara: The concept of having a ‘soul friend’, someone with whom you can share your innermost thoughts, fears, and desires without judgment. It’s a bond rooted in mutual understanding, trust, and spiritual connection.
• Connection to Nature: A deep bond with the natural world, seeing the divine in rivers, trees, stones, and all parts of the natural landscape.

Jainism

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Extending non-violence not just to humans but to all living beings, reflecting a profound respect for life.
• Aparigraha (Non-attachment): Emphasizing detachment from material and emotional attachments to foster spiritual growth and inner peace.

Shinto (Japanese Indigenous Spirituality)

• Kami Worship: Reverence for kami, spirits that inhabit natural places, objects, and living beings, promoting harmony between humans and nature.
• Purity Rites: Practices of purification, both physical and spiritual, to maintain a harmonious relationship with the spiritual world.

Sufism (Islamic Mysticism)

• The Concept of Ihsan: Striving for excellence and beauty in worship, as if you see God, and though you do not see Him, He sees you.
• The Practice of Dhikr: Remembrance of God through repetitive chants and meditation, fostering a deep, personal connection with the divine.

Wisdom from Russian Culture

• The Concept of “Sobornost”: A term embodying the idea of community, spiritual unity, and collective coexistence, emphasizing the importance of each individual’s contribution to the whole.
• Russian Folk Tales and Proverbs: Rich in moral and ethical teachings, these stories and sayings offer guidance on virtue, resilience, and the complexity of human nature.

Wisdom of Aboriginal Australians

• Connection to the Land: Emphasizes the profound bond between people and the natural world, teaching respect for Earth as a living entity and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.
• The Dreamtime Stories: Offer deep spiritual and moral lessons through ancestral tales, highlighting the origins of the universe, the laws of nature, and the human condition.

Wisdom of the Incas and Andean Cultures

• Ayni (Reciprocity): The principle of mutual and communal support, underscoring the importance of giving back to the community and the Earth in gratitude for their sustenance.
• The Three Worlds: The Andean cosmovision divides the world into the Hana Pacha (upper world), Kay Pacha (world of the living), and Uku Pacha (inner world), offering insights into the complexity of existence and the spiritual journey.

Share Your Wisdom!

This article offers a glimpse into the vast wisdom of humanity, but many beautiful spiritual paths exist beyond what’s presented here. Do you have a practice or tradition that brings meaning to your life? Please share it in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the diverse ways we connect with something greater than ourselves.