25th February 2002 13-40 CET
Raison d'etre
As folks seek 'enlightenment' nowadays, it
seems so often to me that there is great
disatisfaction with life. So, we seek
something better, huh?

That is also the modus operandi of the
'consumer society': it's NEW, it's Improved,
it's got this extra or that extra, it's the latest
technology, it's the most approved version,
it's the most sold!!!! etc.etc.etc.

Clearly, this methodology is suspect! For
as with most new purchases, be it hi-fi or
washing powder, we are often confronted with
an unpleasant fact...we have been the victim
of 'hype' .

When this happens with spiritual methodologies
it leads to considerable unhappiness......
hmmm....is that what folks were seeking in
the pursuit of enlightenment? Happiness?

Hmmmm......"The purpose of our lives is to be happy".
so said the 14th Dalai Lama

Is that what the search for 'enlightenment' is about?
If so, then how do we achieve this 'blissful state?"
Endless meditation? Chanting mantras?
Retreating into 'holy caves' or temples?

Hmmmm...
"If you want happiness for an hour - take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day - go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month - get married.
If you want happiness for a year - inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime - help someone else".
Chinese Proverb

Or, put another way,
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
Dalai Lama

Now in my case it may be a very compassionate
action to hide away in a meditative cave for
endless years...thus sparing humanity the
affliction of my thoughts.............hehehehehe

However, it seems clear from all the great
spiritual leaders.....
there can neither be enlightenment nor
happiness without 'inter-action'.

It is the energy cycle of the lovingness,
the ebb and flow of it's compassion,
that is in every single aspect and atom
of existing. Stem the flow = unhappiness,
huh?

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