Saturday, March 07, 2009

Absolute and relative happiness

Everyone has a unique mission that only he/she can to fulfill. Everytime I feel down or lost in my work, thinking of finding a new job, I would remind myself sensei's guidance:

"For those of you who have not yet decided your future course, please concentrate your energies on the things you need to accomplish right now. You will discover your path as you keep searching, chanting earnestly to find your direction, and seeking advice and guidance from those around you."

Also, there's a difference between relative happiness and absolute happiness. Relative happiness is the kind of joy we felt when we achieve something, like our goals, or when our desires are satisfied. For example, when I got a pay raise, bought a new dress, strike lottery, etc. These are relative happiness because they are short-term and we can easily fall into unhappiness the next moment.

As for absolute happines, it is the life state that is not affected by our environment or changing circumstances. It is about establishing a life state from within that has to confidence to overcome any problem or sufferings, having faith that by chanting, we will be able to manifest the wisdom and life force of our buddhahood to overcome them. Which means absolute happines = life state of buddhahood.

President Ikeda said:
"A strong person is happy. At the same time, strength is relative; it depends on the relationship between one's life force and the environment. If your life force is weak and frail, then even minor problems will cause you to fret and become overwhelmed, ending you in deadlock. This will only make you miserable…"

So we should always work towards achieving absolute happiness.

above, emailed to me by a good friend, SP.

No comments: