FULL MOON - Dependable Happiness

It is wisdom
that enables letting go
of a lesser happiness
in pursuit of a happiness
which is greater.

Dhammapada v. 290

There is no denying that happiness can be found in the realm of the senses. However, the Buddha discovered that a more dependable and lasting happiness can be found within cultivated awareness. So long as awareness remains uncultivated, generally we won’t see beyond the happiness that comes with gratifying sense desires. When awareness is cultivated, then we see the limitations inherent in such pursuits and come to know the happiness of contentment. Being continually caught up in desire is actually painful, but we can only see this once we have some perspective on the true nature of desire. Desire is a movement taking place in a larger reality. Appreciation of that larger reality is an expression of wisdom.