The Happiness of the Buddha

Today, we have words of wisdom from two respected teachers on the happiness of the Buddha.

The first quote is from Ajahn Chah, the great Thai forest teacher of Theravada Buddhism who taught the likes of Jack Kornfield and inspired the formation of many practice centers all over the world. His reputation as a spiritual master is well known in Buddhist circles.

Your mind will become still in any surroundings, like a clear forest pool. All kinds of wonderful, rare animals will come to drink at the pool, and you will clearly see the nature of all things. You will see many strange and wonderful things come and go, but you will be still. This is the happiness of the Buddha.

—Ajahn Chah

The second quote on the happiness of the Buddha comes from Sharon Salzberg, also an influential teacher of Vipassana meditation. She founded the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, Massachusetts with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein.

This happiness transforms us within and revolutionizes our perspective on the world without. In fact, the concept of within and without itself disappears.

—Sharon Salzberg

We have seen many articles on happiness here over the past two years. One of my favorites is Where Happiness Comes From. The answer almost always refers to happiness in the here and in the now – in the present moment. Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh says, “Happiness can only be found in the present moment.”

Some of my happiest moments come from several causes and conditions. The joy and happiness I feel when something wonderful occurs with one of my children. For example, when Micah wrote me yesterday that he was coming for an extended stay early next month, my reaction was, “Yay!” 🙂

Another time for rejoicing is during my morning meditation when I experience gratitude for at least three events of the previous day. This occurred the day before yesterday. I was at dinner with Dr. Jerry Jampolsky. I had been reading in his new book, A Mini Course for Life, and had this desire to see him again to tell him about Micah. While reviewing this meeting, I felt tremendous gratitude for the person who scheduled it and for what Jerry had to say.

What are the major causes and conditions for happiness in your life?

This Is A Lovely Book
Buy It!

This is one of the books I listen to often. The teachings on loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity have been a mainstay of my daily practices for years.

Enjoy!