Everyone wants to be happy.
No one wants to suffer.
When Gautama Buddha taught 2500 over years ago, he taught 2 things :
"I teach only 2 things - there is suffering, and there is the end of suffering."
Unfortunately, many people misunderstood (and misinterpret) the Buddha's message and all His Teachings.
They thought the Buddha teaches suffering.
That was a misconception, mis-perception, misinterpretation.
When you truly look deeply into that statement by The Great Teacher, you'll realised that what The Buddha actually teaches is Happiness and the way to Happiness.
And its formula tried and tested by me, happy little me.
It's very easy to be happy - Real, True Happiness.
I'm not talking about the superficial, physical and temporary happiness that you get when your husband or boyfriend kisses you and tells you how much he loves you, and buys you a diamond ring and flowers;
Or when you go out shopping, buying new clothes;
Or when you win a lottery;
Or when you indulge in an expensive meal.
That's all 'fake' happiness.
They don't last.
I remember when I first gave up my seat to an old folk (*generosity).
I was so happy.
I was literally over the moon.
Or, the first time I helped a blind person.
I was happy.
When I helped others (*kindness).
I feel happy.
A few weeks ago, I stroked a cat who was sitting near the bus-stop (*compassion).
I was smiling all the way home.
When I play with any dogs, and they kiss and lick me (*love).
I feel extremely happy.
I would laugh and giggle like a kid.
I remember recently I saw a happy dog with its tail up.
I smiled while looking at the dog.
When I looked up, I saw the owner looking at me, smiling.
I returned her smile (*harmony), and continued smiling after that.
About 4-5 years ago, I found some coins lying on the gym floor.
I picked up the coins, wrapped them up in a piece of paper and handed it to the supervisor, who told me to keep it.
It was a Saturday - flag day.
I kept the coins, intending to donate it.
When I put the coins, each and every one of them into the can.
I feel so happy (*honesty).
I used to release fish.
And when I see them swimming away happily to freedom.
I feel so happy for them (*loving-kindness).
About 1-2 years ago, when I put my arms round and told an acquaintance - friend of mine who cheated me to forget the past, I felt so happy (*forgiveness).
And, whenever I see my students/participants improve, getting better, and benefiting from yoga, be it physically, mentally or emotionally, I feel very happy (*mudita - rejoicing at others' achievements).
So you see, it's very easy to be happy.
All I need to do is smile, say please and thank you, praise/compliment someone from my heart sincerely, unconditionally.
It not only motivates them but makes them happy, put a smile on their face, and that makes me happy.
Now, consider the opposite : Anger, selfishness, hate, suspicious, jealousy, fear, resentment, greed etc.
Do they make you happy?
I don't think so.
It makes a person feel awful inside, doesn't it?
And it shows on the outside as well.
Don't take my words for it.
Try it.
Or better yet, observe.
You'll notice that whenever a person genuinely helps another, or do something good, that person will smile and look happy.
There will be a radiance of happiness shining from within.
"I loving and kind, you loving and kind.
Then the whole world will be loving and kind."
If you want to be happy, then do good - Lots of it.
For "Happiness is the path to Enlightenment." (The Buddha)
**And the best way to happiness is by ...
1) Avoid harming and/or killing any beings.
2) Avoid taking what is not given - stealing.
3) Avoid sexual misconduct.
4) Avoid false speech - lying and idle chatter/gossip.
5) Avoid taking of intoxicants.
In short, Avoid ALL evil, Cultivate good and Purify the mind (i.e. Meditate)."
"When we do things for others, we are actually doing things for ourselves.
Likewise, when we do things to others, we're actually doing it to ourselves."
"Give for the joy of giving; expecting nothing in return.
And when you can give that way, You'll find Happiness."
"Give and forget that you have given; take / receive and always remember you have taken or you have received."
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"A beautiful world can only be seen through the eyes of a happy heart."
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"Our society has become one where we tend to emphasize and judge and measure others' value, worth and/or success by their wealth, status and material possessions, instead of their morals and virtues.
And this acts as a catalyst for greed, resentment, anger, discontentment and delusions, which in turns causes Suffering."
