Happiness doesn't exist (kind of)

[jducoeur]

My thanks to mindways for the pointer to this fine exposition of the heart of Buddhism. While it's by no means the complete be-all and end-all, this nicely summarizes one of the most central tenets. It's very unintuitive to most folks, because it is *so* contradictory to our upbringing, but more and more I've found it to be quite correct...

Comments

Thanks

[etherial.livejournal.com]

This is the first treatise on Buddhism I've read that didn't feel like an argument in favor of mass suicide.

[janeelliot.livejournal.com]

Thank you. It was something I needed to read at this moment.

The joy of growth

[andrea habura (from livejournal.com)]

Generally, I agree with this, but something has always bothered me about Buddhism: the discounting of the joy of stretching yourself. In the short term, in increases unease, because you are moving from a place of comfort and balance to one that is less secure. But there is a deep pleasure in meeting that challenge and growing thereby. And I believe that's an important part of life, too.

[umbran.livejournal.com]

I think the piece has a flaw.

Just as they say that "suffering" isn't quite the right word, I think they may be off the mark with "happiness". I think "contentment" is probably closer.

[tafkad.livejournal.com]

I disagree.

True, relaxation from un-ease can bring me to a state of peace, but there are times I have so very much good that I cannot accept it's just a lack of Bad.

There's the feeling I get when I talk to my mother, even when she's in one of her confusions. There's talking to my SO for an extended call. There's knowing that I am creating something fun or beautiful. There's knowing I have contributed something valuable. Each of these gives me an active feeling of happiness, and it happens often, even when I am stressed or in pain.

[unicornpearlz.livejournal.com]

An interesteing concept that I can get onboard with. So, it can either mean that i shouldn't be moving to Massachusetts because I'm looking for something else 'out there', and I know I can ease my suffering here. Or, it could mean that I'm hoping the move to MA will help ease my unhappiness here. I'm opting for the latter.