14Dec
The Art of Happiness delves into the idea of finding happiness from various viewpoints presented by Howard Cutler, a psychiatrist from the West, and the 14th Dalai Lama, a revered Tibetan Buddhist figure. Both authors strive to explore the concept of happiness from a universal perspective, disregarding factors such as gender, race, religion, culture, and language.
In Buddhism, the pursuit of happiness is considered the ultimate goal of life, regardless of one's religious convictions. In Buddhism, it is believed that happiness can be achieved, although there may be challenges along the way. Regardless of whether one experiences great success or failure, one eventually reaches a state of baseline happiness. This phenomenon is referred to as hedonic adaptation, as psychologists have demonstrated that individuals who win the lottery experience a surge of excitement initially, but eventually return to their baseline level of happiness after about a year.
Likewise, when faced with life-altering events such as cancer, blindness, or paralysis, individuals may experience a process of adapting to their new circumstances. Buddhism teaches us how to elevate our internal baseline to a higher level. Drawing comparisons between oneself and others, whether it be in terms of wealth or intelligence, can often result in feelings of discontentment and a pessimistic outlook on life. By directing our attention towards those who are in need, we can take a moment to contemplate our own life experiences and cultivate a sense of appreciation and satisfaction.
Ultimately, the Art of Happiness emphasizes the significance of comprehending happiness on a fundamental human level. It reminds us that happiness is within reach and can be accomplished by cultivating the mind and establishing an internal foundation. Drawing comparisons between oneself and others, whether in terms of financial status or intellectual abilities, can often result in feelings of envy and bitterness. By directing their attention towards those who are in need and contemplating their journeys, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction in their lives.
Rivals and adversaries have a significant impact on our overall well-being, as they have the potential to hinder our progress and advancement. Buddhists emphasize the importance of being mindful of those who may oppose or challenge them, as harboring feelings of animosity can hinder one's path to happiness. To cultivate patience and tolerance in the face of adversity, it is important to appreciate the valuable lessons that challenging situations offer us.
Some individuals tend to resist the notion of experiencing certain emotions. Why me!", thinking that they don't deserve to go through this and feeling like a helpless victim. The fundamental perspective is that suffering is seen as something negative and should be actively avoided. On the other hand, people in the East tend to have a higher tolerance for suffering, influenced by spiritual teachings such as Buddhism and the widespread presence of suffering in their surroundings.
Changing our point of view can be a valuable strategy for dealing with challenges. Through consistent practice, we can cultivate a sense of serenity amidst challenging circumstances. Regardless of the challenges he faced, his perspective remained unique. Being able to change our point of view is a valuable skill that can assist us in dealing with challenges and cultivating a sense of tranquility.
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