HOW TO ACHIEVE HAPPINESS – Dalai Lama
To begin, we can divide every kind of happiness and suffering into two main categories: mental and physics. Of the two, it is the mind that exerts the greatest influence on many of us. Unless we are seriously sick, or deprived of our basic needs, the physic condition represents a secondary role in life. If the body is satisfied, we practically ignore it. The mind, however, registers every event, however small. Therefore, we should devote our most serious efforts to produce peace of mind. From my own limited experience, I found that the highest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we engage in happiness of others, the greater will be our sense of well-being. The cultivation of loving feelings, warm and close to the other automatically rests mind. This helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have, and gives us strength to face any obstacles we encounter. It is the main source of success in life. Whilst we live this world we are bound to encounter problems. If in these occasions, we lose hope and discourage ourselves, we diminish our ability to face the difficulties. If, on the other hand, we remember that it is not just about us, but we all have to go through suffering, this more realistic perspective will increase our ability and determination to overcome the problems. In fact, with this attitude, each new obstacle can be seen as one more valuable opportunity to improve our mind! Thus, we can strive gradually to become more compassionate, namely, we can develop both genuine empathy for the suffering of others and a willingness to help remove their pain. As a result, grow our own serenity and inner strength.
