Most of the discussion on the good life and happiness in the Western tradition of psychology is concerned with the hedonic aspects, focusing on positive and pleasurable emotions. There also exists to a lesser extent the Western philosophical eudaimonic tradition of  virtuos human flourishings which is associated with Aristotle.

Recently Positive Psychology which has been to some extent influenced by Eastern values has proposed happiness as  life satisfaction, flow and finding meaning. The Eastern traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Hinduism are more oriented towards the good life in the ethical sense, wellbeing and happiness being a byproduct of an ethical and spiritual life (particularly in the case of Buddhism and Hinduism).

On the basis of recent empirical studies it has been suggested that in East and South East Asian societies believing in Confucian and Buddhist values like order, ethical and hard work and being law abiding has lead them to prosper, although in trying to be modern and catch up with West  they  are face the danger of consumerism. Scientific studies and tests have proved that the practice of  Buddhist meditation and the Hindu Transcendental meditation leads to enhanced brain activity related to a sense of peace and happiness.

In a study of young Indians who believed in the Hindu work ethic of doing one’s best without expectation of reward had higher levels of satisfaction. A study in Australia found that while western young people scored higher in personal happiness,  the Non-Western youth  had more next generation optimism.

Buddhism and Hinduism both emphasise nonviolence and peace as a core value for wellbeing, both as a means and an end.  Mahatma Gandhi inspired by Hinduism and Jainism stressed nonviolence in thought, speech and action as the basis of contentment and wellbeing. The Dalai Lama has been proposing the role peace within and peace outside in achieving happiness in society and in the whole world.

Unfortunately the happiness literature today especially in the West ignores the role of mental peace and lack of social conflict as a source of happiness. Ed Diener in his recent book on Happiness has noted that for people of Asian cultures happiness means being calm and controlled while for Americans it is more likely to mean being excited and joyful and that  this trait is socialized early in life. Asians prefer calm and harmony producing activities while North Americans choose upbeat, energetic positive emotions.

Broad statements need to be at times qualified so that we are aware of over generalization and do not ignore many limitations in Eastern cultures and societies as well as the achievements of the West. In the East hierarchy, low status of women, other-worldliness and belief  and fatalism of past life karma can be limiting.

Yet traditional wisdom of Hinduism and Buddhism helps in creati8ng a larger  meaning and purpose in life as well as a sense of community, belonging and social support which are significant indicators of wellbeing and happiness. This is contrary to the West where alienation, loss of meaning and breakdown of families and communities is more prevalent. The greater traditional emphasis on collectivism and spiritual aspirations in the East provides the possibility ,( if not always actualized in practice in the present time of rapid economic and social change)  to less individualistic hedonism, consumerism and better chances to move from lower, baser motivation to higher goals, so that happiness can be conceived as higher fulfillment and deeper wellbeing