Hāfiz's Poetry and Positive Psychology

Positive psychology seeks "good living" and the scientific study of the "ideal man". It is a science that focuses instead of human weaknesses, mental illnesses and inabilities, on his strengths and abilities, such as hope, happiness, mental health, satisfaction, contentment, and bliss. Martin Seligman examines human emotions in three periods of time, the present (happiness, euphoria, passion and eagerness, being current), the past (satisfaction, pride and honor), future (optimism, confidence, hope and faith). He maintains when a person reviews his emotions, experiences and excitements in the present time and compares them with the past and the future, feels that s(he) is tranquil, secure  and joyful in present time, and must feel to have satisfaction and pride  compared to the past, and to have hope, optimism and faith compared to the future. The present article intends to show that in reading literary texts from psychology view point that reflects usually abstract concept of living and spiritual experiences of ancient Iranian nation, applicability of perceptions becomes more plausible. So, the article examines this experience in Hafiz poems that are comprehensive manifestations of Iranian living and spiritual experiences. Wisdom, Transcendence, virtues, hope as well as satisfaction and happiness, are examined from a set of capabilities based on evidences from Hafez Divan.