Happiness and suffering are states of mind, and so their main causes cannot be found outside the mind.
Interpretation
Happiness and suffering originate from our mental state rather than external circumstances.
This quote emphasizes the idea that our emotional states, such as happiness and suffering, are primarily driven by our thoughts and perceptions rather than external situations. It suggests that we have the power to shape our emotional experiences through our mindset, pointing to the importance of mental well-being and inner reflection.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a mindfulness meditation session to emphasize mental well-being.
Patience is a mind that is able to accept fully and happily, whatever occurs. It is much more than just gritting our teeth and putting up with things. Being patient means to welcome wholeheartedly whatever arises, having given up the idea that things should be other than what they are.
When a jealous person sees signs of other people's success and good fortune, his heart is pierced with envy. But someone who has learned to rejoice in the good fortune of others experiences only happiness. Seeing another person's beautiful house or attractive partner immediately makes him happy - the fact that they are not his own is irrelevant.
Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be acheived unless we first establish peace within our own minds. We can send so-called 'peacekeeping forces' into areas of conflict, but peace cannot be oppossed from the outside with guns. Only by creating peace within our own mind and helping others to do the same can we hope to achieve peace in this world.
The path to enlightenment is really very simple - all we need to do is stop cherishing ourself and learn to cherish others. All other spiritual realisations will naturally follow from this.
There is no obligation on us to be richer, or busier, or more efficient, or more productive, or more progressive, or any way worldlier or wealthier, if it does not make us happier.
A swift carriage, of a dark night, rattling with four horses over roads that one can’t see--that’s my idea of happiness.
Certainly there are times in all of our lives when bad things happen, or things don’t turn out as we had hoped. But that’s when we we must a decision that we’re going to be happy inspite of our circumstances.
Having a great intellect is no path to being happy.
Excitement radiates through your eyes, your face, your voice, your soul, and your whole personality.
Laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word.
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