The Buddhist Definition of Happiness

BILL MOYERS: By happiness, what do you mean by happiness?

PEMA CHÖDRÖN: Contentment. At home with yourself in your world. Not separating yourself from others. Not hardening your heart, or your mind to others, or to the world. That profound wellbeing which is not based on facts, so to speak. You know, like changing circumstances. It's not based on changing circumstances.

Contentment consists of happiness with one's situation in life while living in the present moment. Through meditation, one is sure to appease the ego easily by letting one's thoughts rise and fall, yet just watching it all happening.

Being at home with yourself in your world implies equanimity, that calm temper and firmness of mind which remains steady and solid under stress yet is gentle and compassionate.

Not separating yourself from others consists of staying in touch with dear friends and family.

"Not hardening your heart, or your mind to others, or to the world" implies being open to yourself, to others, and to the world.

In this way is true and real happiness an ongoing process in one's life.

Reference:

BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON; Bill Moyers and Pema Chödrön . August 4, 2006
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/faithandreason/print/faithandreason107_print.html

Pema Chödrön: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pema_Ch%C3%B6dr%C3%B6n

Breath meditation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breath_Meditation

Insight meditation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insight_Meditation