The Concept of Happiness in Cārvāka and Bauddha Philosophical Tradition

Abstract

In the contemporary world, human development is measured through various indices that evaluate quality of life, standard of living, environmental conditions, freedom, rights, and human well-being. These indicators aim to assess human progress by focusing on the fulfillment of human needs and capabilities. In recent decades, however, happiness has also emerged as an important dimension of development and human flourishing. Although it is universally accepted that every human being seeks happiness, the nature and conditions of true happiness remain deeply debated. In this context, the concept of happiness occupies a significant place in Indian philosophical discourse. This study examines the nature and meaning of happiness in these philosophical systems, particularly within the Cārvāka and Buddhist traditions. The Cārvāka school, known for its materialistic and empirical orientation, identifies happiness primarily with sensory pleasure and worldly enjoyment. It rejects metaphysical assumptions such as karma, rebirth, soul, and liberation. The Cārvākas advocate a pragmatic philosophy centered on direct perception and immediate experience. For them, human life is finite, and therefore the pursuit of pleasure (sukha) becomes the highest attainable goal.The Bauddha tradition offers a deeper understanding of happiness grounded in the realities of suffering (duḥkha), impermanence (anitya), and non-self (anātman). Buddhist tradition does not deny worldly pleasure but regards attachment to transient desires as the root cause of suffering. True happiness, according to Buddhist philosophy, emerges through moral discipline, mental purification, compassion, and mindfulness. Thus, this study highlights how the Cārvāka tradition advocates for a pragmatic, pleasure-centric life within a finite material existence. The Buddhist tradition highlights inner transformation to transcend suffering and attain nirvāṇa.