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by Lama Michel Renunciation is the only means by which to obtain true happiness. First of all, we must learn to recognise the suffering experienced in daily life, by removing mental defects such as anger, jealousy, pride and attachment. This new attitude will help us to avoid suffering and to have a better quality of life. If we concentrate upon developing positive qualities only to wish for a good rebirth into a beautiful family, living in luxurious surroundings, however, this will not contribute to the elimination of all our suffering. We will have to develop a very strong motivation so as to sincerely think: “I want to get out of samsara, this cycle of continuous rebirth”. This is a different level of renunciation which totally cuts any kind of mental defects. Even then, there is still another level of renunciation, which is that of enlightenment. According to buddhist philosophy, the primary thought of an enlightened being reaching the Pure Lands is: “at last I have reached a state of no more suffering ... but how about the others?” For this reason, buddhists pray thus: “Until all beings reach enlightenment, I shall develop the wish to return upon the earth to help them”. Therefore, it is only by renouncing one’s own enlightenment, that one develops the true motivation to help others. In sanskrit, the meaning of the word compassion is translated as “karuna”, in other words cutting happiness. By developing true compassion, we wish for the cessation of all suffering and not just our own. If we meditate attentively and sincerely upon these small things, we may indeed become truly happy one day. (edited by Tiziana Ciasullo) |
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