“All living beings have the same general wish: we all want to be happy, and free from suffering. This common wish is shared by everyone. It doesn’t matter which country we’re from, what tradition we follow, or what kind of background beliefs we have. Our goal is the same.

We should embrace this deep, common ground we share, and try to respect, appreciate, and have patience with one another. We’re here to learn from one another, support one another, and grow together. Everyone is important and special.

Since we all like happiness and peace, we shouldn’t ignore their causes. We can’t really expect results without their causes. There is nothing we know of where results have arisen without their necessary causes and conditions. So, as much as we love the results, we should also love the causes and conditions behind them. As much as we want to be happy, we have to love the causes for happiness as well.

The foundation of happiness is to bring more joy to our own hearts—joy for who we are and what we have. Many times we ignore what we already have. We’re always looking ahead to somewhere else without looking at our own richness. We look outside to what other’s have, ignoring our own beauty. We should have more joy and appreciation for who we are and what we already have. We’re all such amazing beings who are so fortunate to enjoy one another’s company. Let’s deeply remember our richness, and celebrate and appreciate ourselves and one another.”

The Four Causes of Happiness
by the Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches
Free Download: https://www.padmasambhava.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/spring2014.pdf

Photo of the 2017 PSL Nynugne Retreat on Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, led by Lama Laia Pema Tsultrim from October 7-9, 2017.