Difference between revisions of "Happiness"
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| − | Concerning the two levels of [[happiness]], the [[Buddha]] advised: ‘If by giving up [[worldly | + | |
| + | [[Happiness]] (''[[sukha]]'') is a [[feeling]] of ease, well-being and [[satisfaction]] and can range from mild to intense and be either momentary or enduring. The [[Buddha]] distinguished between [[worldly happiness]] which is dependent on [[sensuality]], and [[spiritual]] [[happiness]] which is derived from [[being]] [[virtuous]] and gradually freeing the [[mind]]. | ||
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| + | =[[worldly happiness]]= | ||
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| + | Some examples of [[worldly happiness]] which the [[Buddha]] said are legitimate and worthwhile are the [[happiness]] of ownership, of [[wealth]] and of freedom from debt (A.II,68). The [[sense]] of achievement, from excelling in one’s chosen profession and making a good living out of it can make one very [[happy]] (D.I,51). | ||
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| + | On a higher level, some of the things conducive to [[spiritual happiness]] include practicing the [[Precepts]] (D.I,69), [[being]] just (A.I,294), [[calming]] the [[senses]] (D.I,69), [[thinking]] about and [[rejoicing]] in one’s own [[good deeds]] (Dhp.16), taming the [[mind]] (Dhp.35), [[being]] able to [[love]] despite [[being]] surrounded by those who [[hate]] (Dhp.197) and [[being]] at [[peace]] (Dhp.202). The highest and most refined [[happiness]] comes from attaining [[enlightenment]] (Dhp.203). | ||
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| + | Concerning the two levels of [[happiness]], the [[Buddha]] advised: ‘If by giving up [[worldly happiness]] one can attain the higher [[happiness]] the [[wise]] [[person]] should do so, [[seeing]] it as a more enriching [[happiness]].’ (Dhp.290). [[Happiness]] has an important role in [[meditation]] in that it assists in the development of a stable, effortless [[concentration]]. The [[Buddha]] said: ‘The [[mind]] that is [[happy]] becomes [[concentrated]].’ (''[[sukhino cittaṃ samādhiyati]]'', D.I,73). | ||
The Art of [[Happiness]], The [[Dalai]] Lama,1998. | The Art of [[Happiness]], The [[Dalai]] Lama,1998. | ||
Latest revision as of 14:56, 1 September 2018
Happiness (sukha) is a feeling of ease, well-being and satisfaction and can range from mild to intense and be either momentary or enduring. The Buddha distinguished between worldly happiness which is dependent on sensuality, and spiritual happiness which is derived from being virtuous and gradually freeing the mind.
worldly happiness
Some examples of worldly happiness which the Buddha said are legitimate and worthwhile are the happiness of ownership, of wealth and of freedom from debt (A.II,68). The sense of achievement, from excelling in one’s chosen profession and making a good living out of it can make one very happy (D.I,51).
On a higher level, some of the things conducive to spiritual happiness include practicing the Precepts (D.I,69), being just (A.I,294), calming the senses (D.I,69), thinking about and rejoicing in one’s own good deeds (Dhp.16), taming the mind (Dhp.35), being able to love despite being surrounded by those who hate (Dhp.197) and being at peace (Dhp.202). The highest and most refined happiness comes from attaining enlightenment (Dhp.203).
Concerning the two levels of happiness, the Buddha advised: ‘If by giving up worldly happiness one can attain the higher happiness the wise person should do so, seeing it as a more enriching happiness.’ (Dhp.290). Happiness has an important role in meditation in that it assists in the development of a stable, effortless concentration. The Buddha said: ‘The mind that is happy becomes concentrated.’ (sukhino cittaṃ samādhiyati, D.I,73).
The Art of Happiness, The Dalai Lama,1998.
