Talk 5/6 Dharma Offers More Than Just Happiness

A familiar promise often made by teachers of Buddhism is one of happiness. This is true, but the problem with happiness is that it relies on circumstances to experience this much desired emotion, In truth all circumstances are in the grip of the law of impermanence, so when the circumstances that bring happiness go into change so does your happiness. As well as happiness the practice of Buddha-dharma also promises contentment, which is of a far greater order and importance. Contentment is much more subtle and more difficult to bring into your life, but once established takes you beyond the need to chase ever-changing circumstances that you hope will bring the emotion of happiness. With contentment established you will be happy anyway, because you will no longer be pulled around by life's vicissitudes but have an equanimity and stability in all situations, this we call the middle way, and so go beyond the stress of continually chasing after the impermanence of happiness, that proves in the end, to be just a temporary shield from the human malaise.