Who can take away my happiness?
Life is noble or lowly, poor or rich, and whether we sink or float in the endless cycle of life and death is all arranged by our own karma. The ancients said, “Fortune and misfortune have no door; they are only summoned by oneself.” Indeed, the one who governs life is oneself.
Why are we always unhappy? When we haven’t achieved our goals, we feel sorrow; when we finally reach our goals, we laugh; yet this fleeting happiness disappears in an instant, plunging us back into pain.
We follow this cycle of constant change with fluctuating emotions, like a madman losing his mind, more like a clown being endlessly teased. Any change makes us feel uncomfortable because we have attachments in our hearts.
Some people have no worries about food and clothing and possess everything yet remain unhappy; some possess beauty and have a happy family but still feel discontented; others practice Buddhism and enter monastic life yet find no joy. There is always something or someone that makes us restless.
What is attachment? It is the infatuation that arises from our insufficient understanding of external things, a desire to possess them as our own. “Attachment” means not accepting the changes of reality, not acknowledging the laws of nature, always setting one’s own will as the goal. It is a one-sided understanding that stubbornly clings to delusions about things; even though sometimes we know that attachment brings suffering to ourselves, we still refuse to let go of the feeling of “attachment,” believing it to be a kind of happiness—yet it is merely an illusion we’ve become accustomed to. It leads us into stubbornness, laziness, and irresponsibility; it causes us to inadvertently hurt those who love us and makes us miss out on much happiness that should belong to us while forgetting many precious things in life. How can we make ourselves happy? Let go of attachments and all unrealistic thoughts. If you are willing to let go, you can plant happiness in your heart. Once you release your attachments, you will feel at ease and actively love others and help them—happiness lies here.
Suppose you hold a piece of candy with your palm facing up; you would grip it tightly, being careful not to lose it with a careless move. If you turn your palm upward and open your hand wide, the candy remains there while your heart feels relaxed and secure. Therefore, all suffering and joy arise from the heart; changing one’s fate hinges on changing one’s thoughts.
When we are fortunate enough to recognize the essence of all things, letting go becomes easy. Letting go does not mean giving up something or abandoning someone. What we should learn to let go of is our own attachments. If the evil person in my heart represents my true nature, why isn’t he everyone’s enemy? Happiness does not exist outside but within one’s tranquil heart. If you do not disturb it, no one can disturb it.
Once there was a person burdened by worldly trivialities who was very distressed. So he packed his bag and went to find Buddha, asking him to eliminate his disasters and grant him liberation. Buddha recited a mantra saying: “Only you can truly save yourself.” The man asked in confusion: “But I am filled with confusion and distress—how can I save myself?” Buddha countered: “Who put confusion and distress into your heart?” The man fell silent for a moment without an answer. Then Buddha continued: “Whoever put it in should take it out!” At this moment, the man suddenly realized something profound. To untie the knot requires the person who tied it; we are both the demons creating troubles for ourselves as well as angels saving ourselves. When faced with trouble, first seek within yourself for answers; then forgive yourself with compassion and tolerance before learning to love yourself. Once you’ve learned how to treat yourself well naturally you’ll treat others well too—and through this process develop an expansive mindset.
When one’s heart can forgive all “enemies” born from delusions without establishing grievances anymore—this leads one towards achieving greater tranquility within their mind. Maintaining this tranquility means no longer being disturbed by external factors. As long as I firmly hold onto the string of my kite regardless if it’s blowing east or south—the kite will soar high into the sky far away.
by- Taiwan Fearless Tathagata Buddhas’ Complete Zen Meditation Center