Be as u r

Q: In what sense is happiness or bliss (ananda) our real nature? 

Sri Ramana Maharshi :

Perfect bliss is Brahman.
Perfect peace is of the Self. 
That alone exists and is consciousness. 

That which is called happiness is only the nature of Self; 
Self is not other than perfect happiness. 
That which is called happiness alone exists. 
Knowing that fact and abiding in the state of Self, 
enjoy bliss eternally. 

If a man thinks that his happiness 
is due to external causes and his possessions, 
it is reasonable to conclude that 
his happiness must increase with the increase of possessions 
and diminish in proportion to their diminution. 
Therefore if he is devoid of possessions, 
his happiness should be nil. 

What is the real experience of man? 
Does it conform to this view? 

In deep sleep man is devoid of possessions, 
including his own body. 
Instead of being unhappy he is quite happy. 
Everyone desires to sleep soundly. 

The conclusion is that happiness is inherent in man 
and is not due to external causes. 

One must realize the Self in order to open the store of unalloyed happiness.

~ From Be as you are book