Now there is something you probably don’t often hear, right?
Seems that most people falsely believe that Buddhism is all about suffering and death.
Well it is just not true!
Actually, the Buddha would not teach or speak if it did not help people to eliminate suffering. The whole of the dhamma is about happiness. Being well, happy and peaceful. That’s Buddhism!
I freely admit that I can often get caught up in the depth of Buddha’s teachings, and unintentionally may come across as someone who is focused on suffering, attachments, greed etc.
But I need to be mindful, so I do not miss the simplicity of Buddha’s teachings. Just see there is suffering, accept it, then let go.
Once the Blessed One was staying at Kosambi in the Simsapa forest. Then, picking up a few Simsapa leaves with his hand, he asked the monks, “What do you think, monks: Which are more numerous, the few Simsapa leaves in my hand or those overhead in the Simsapa forest?”
“The leaves in the hand of the Blessed One are few in number, lord. Those overhead in the forest are far more numerous.”
“In the same way, monks, those things that I have known with direct knowledge but have not taught are far more numerous [than what I have taught]. And why haven’t I taught them? Because they are not connected with the goal, do not relate to the rudiments of the holy life, and do not lead to disenchantment, to dispassion, to cessation, to calm, to direct knowledge, to self-awakening, to Unbinding. That is why I have not taught them.
In this way, I think Buddha spoke to this issue of trying too hard or studying too much. We need to keep it simple and see that Buddhism is all about the availability of happiness to each and everyone of us.
If you or I choose to study more and gain deeper understanding, that’s fine. Just be mindful. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Dance in the rain, smile, and be child-like.
Buddhism is all about being happy!
And as always, may you be well, happy and peaceful.
