Is ‘Bahala Na’ The Reason Behind Filippino’s Happiness??

PARISMITA GOSWAMI

You must have heard this term, ‘Que sera sera,’ which means ‘whatever will be, will be.’ Likewise, a Filipino expression is quite analogous to ‘Que sera sera,’ “Bahala Na,” meaning, “Come what may. It is up to God.”

Like, whatever happens, happens.

Recently I came across an article by WELL+GOOD on ‘Bahala Na,’ the Filipino Spiritual Practice of Letting Go. That’s how my enthusiasm quickly fed into learning more about it.

So what does the term imply?

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“The word “Bahala” is believed to have been derived from the word “Bathala,” which in the Tagalog language means God’ (Bostrom 1968:401). Thus “Bahala Na,” as a linguistic expression, signifies leaving something or someone in the care of God. In time this expression has become a philosophy of life, a cultural trait that has strongly developed into a significant core of Filipino attitudes.”

According to Mark Joseph T. Calano, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy at Ateneo de Manila University, ‘Bahala Na!’ is accepting one’s fate or, say, an act of surrender. I would connect more with Mark’s explanation of the term in the context of my reality. Some also say that this Filipino term is of Sanskrit origin.

Is ‘Bahala Na’ The Reason Behind Filippino’s Happiness??

In “Karma: A yogi’s guide to crafting your destination,” Sadhguru wrote about something similar to this in the same spiritual context. Karma- the oversimplified term has created so many complexities and perennial misunderstandings, but what you can call karma is the bag of tendencies and dispositions you have, only in your memories and imaginations.

And, if you live in the present consciously, you will be able to drop off your karmic load. You will be able to let go of the past and future. And understand the importance of now and this present moment. So, if you let it all go, you let your present be your only address.

Bahala is a practical application to life and its process. We tend to overthink, overreact, and overdo many times over many things in our lives. Why can’t we let it go? And, for once say, ‘Bahala Na’. This is the biggest dilemma of the 21st century if you all agree to it.

Even I do the same when taking a minor decision or even taking a minor step forward on the ladder of life. Do we have to think about everything and make it more complicated? Can’t we just let it be? Knowing the fact that we only have today.

So why worry and make your present stressful? While you can, just phew!!.. Do it and Chill.

So, ‘Bahala Na’ is like taking a leap of faith and not worrying about your outcome. And having faith that the greater power will protect you while you learn to trust yourself and accept what life offers you. Don’t write about your future before you live it.

For example, don’t think about what if you fall, but what if you fly? Success is a relative term. Allow your conscience to make a move. You wait and see.

More worrying never solved any problem for anyone. And that is why Filipinos Are One of The Happiest People on Earth. It is because they believe happiness is their culture, are spiritual, love to eat and share food, and enjoy close-knit bonds with families and friends. They are grateful for what they have and how amazing their life is.

Takeaway

So, this new year, list what you want to commit to and do. If you have been planning to travel, go for it. Do your best, give your best and make the best out of it. If not today, then never. Most importantly, be happy and focus on the things that need to be focused.

And remember to say ‘Bahala Na’ or think, whatever will be, will be more often. Let not things control you, I say. Take charge of your own spiritual and mental path.

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