Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
As long as we think our lives are not good enough (materially), we will not have happiness. As soon as we realize our lives are good enough, happiness immediately appears. That is the practice of contentment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness comes from recognizing and appreciating what we have rather than constantly longing for more.
In this quote, Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of contentment in achieving true happiness. He suggests that the perception of our lives determines our emotional state; if we see our lives as lacking, we will continue to be unhappy. However, once we acknowledge the sufficiency of what we possess and embrace gratitude for our circumstances, happiness naturally follows. This idea promotes a mindful approach to life, encouraging us to focus on the present and find joy in our current situation.
Themes
HappinessContentmentGratitudeAppreciationMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a personal development workshop to encourage participants to practice gratitude.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes →I have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
Nhat HanhRead
I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
Nhat HanhRead
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
Nhat HanhRead
The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat HanhRead
Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
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To be satisfied with what one has; that is wealth. As long as one sorely needs a certain additional amount, that man isn't rich.
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I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment. In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.
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Nobody looks perfect. We have to find peace with the way we look and get on with life.
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