The Buddha said acts of merit are another word for happiness. In other words, when you’re generous, when you’re virtuous, as you get your mind under control, this is where happiness lies.

"We realize that Buddha was right: that acts of merit are another word for happiness. In other words, when you’re generous, when you’re virtuous, as you get your mind under control, this is where happiness lies. As you realize happiness is in your power, you don’t have to go around begging it from somebody else or having to demean yourself.

As Ajaan Fuang once said, when we come to the practice, we’re nobody’s servant. We’re here independently because we see that what the Buddha said was right, that it’s our actions that will make a difference. So we take responsibility. We assume that power and then we reap the rewards. That happiness is lasting: a happiness that doesn’t harm anybody in anyway. That’s the kind of happiness you want for a happy New Year.

As for the things outside, whether they’re good or bad: A lot of that is beyond our control, but we can control our actions. We can make up the mind that we’re going to do only skillful things. Anything that’s unskillful, we stay away from it. That’s a decision we can make — and a decision we can stick by.

If you’re going to think about a happy New Year, look inside. Come and see what Buddha’s recommendations are for trying to find true happiness, and you’ll find that he’s right: that it is possible to find a happiness that doesn’t harm anybody. Your search for happiness can be a gift not only to yourself, but also to others when you search for happiness in a wise and responsible way."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Happiness Comes from Your Actions"