Happiness - A Serene Mind

By Ven. Horowpothane Sathindriya.

In the globe today, every member seeks happiness. Peace, calmness, serenity, relaxation, contentment and mental happiness are the key issues that are being discussed in the present. However, in today’s modern commercial and consumer based culture, materialism, drug trafficking, ethnic and family conflict, political turmoil and nuclear armaments and gun culture are ever increasing all over the world.

Now the state of society is entangled in conflict. Everything is changing. Science and technology are overtaking us, national economies and culture is being invaded by the globalization of American consumer culture. Human qualities, social values, morals, ethics and customs are being disregarded and disgraced.

Unknowingly we have become a global village. People face and suffer from numerous complaints, ill health mentally and physically. Mental distress, depression, stress, frustration, tension, anxiety, phobia, and fear are escalating in our human society. Because of these, suicide rates, rape cases, divorce rates and violence are ever growing. Even though science and technology have developed and advanced tremendously this century we have found no remedy for these mental agonies and torment.

Happiness or peace of mind is not outside, but it lies inside us. If one desires to find real happiness, one must cultivate and develop positive and wholesome thoughts that create peace of mind within oneself. We should be introspective with our minds the same way we examine visitors to our home. From our childhood we have been welcoming unwholesome thoughts such as craving, hatred, jealousy, ill will, aversion, etc. It is crystal clear that they have created many problems and conflicts within us.

Simplicity and plain living is the most important practice for those who live in this consumer culture that encourages people to live in a state of fantasy. We should be content in having our basic needs met rather than preoccupy ourselves with chasing after more and more materials. Furthermore we should associate with kind-hearted friends who value human qualities and are enthusiastic in mental culture.

Right effort should be established to purify our mind. If some one put it into practice in day to day life he or she will achieve the benefit of real happiness and peace of mind. Right effort

To create peace of mind, one should concentrate on thoughts. We must implant positive thoughts and let go of negative and unwholesome thoughts. The thought that burns our mind should be removed and denied re-entry.

Generally, the mind is like a monkey wondering from place to place and jumping from branch to branch with greed in a very large forest. The monkey mind creates conflict within us. The untamed mind leads us to a catastrophic life and it is the same as experiencing hell before we depart from this world.

Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity should be cultivated and developed in daily life. By removing the roots of unwholesome thoughts and by implanting and cultivating wholesome thoughts, one can establish a controlled mind. Then the mind will be very peaceful and serene.

"The mind is very difficult to perceive; very delicate and subtle; it moves and lands wherever it pleases. The wise should guard his mind, for a guarded mind brings happiness." (Dhammapada)