Happiness in This World

"A realisation that doesn't lead to happiness has no value, because happiness is that which all human beings seek. In that sense, that's the goal of life, that's the mission. It is wired into us, this desire for happiness. That's what we seek. And happiness is another name for ‘God’ or ‘reality’. So seeking reality and finding reality is the mission, and it is synonymous with finding happiness – unalloyed, causeless happiness. So that's the end game. That’s the end of the path. The realisation could also be called the initiation – the starting point.”
– Francis Lucille

As teacher guide John Prenderghast states, its not just about “waking up” its also about “waking down”.

Buddhism, too, is concerned with happiness in this world as the end point, emphasising that it is through our behaviour – including not just what we say, but more importantly the way we say it – that we see evidence of our liberation from psychological fear and attachment by identifying as the limited body.

I feel blessed that this teaching has been part of my life since the age of 19. I have observed that sometimes waking up is emphasised but “waking down” less so.

It is only natural that some aspects of our daily life will be more challenging than others when it comes to maintaining our inner centre, particularly in the realm of human relationships. However, in time, it becomes apparent that there is a clear difference between a life that constantly rejuvenates, opens itself, and shines with joy to the very end – and a life based on an underlying sense of lack and fear.

This is why Buddhism exhorts us to "never let life’s hardships disturb us", but to continue consciously resting as being "no matter what happens – then we will experience boundless joy."

With love,

Freyja