Bringing Joy In Life
From this perspective, it is hard to capture the magic of each moment of being alive and to feel a sense of awe and wonder that is alway beckoning our attention. Our attention is then often lost in endless mental utterances which is perfectly described by the Pali word papanca or mental proliferation.
Sojong Reminder for 15/7 from Anam Thubten
Dear Dharma Friends,
This human life is not just one way, but rather full of paradox. It is not always as perfect as we might wish, or bad as we might perceive. It’s quite easy for our mind to pick out all the things that are going wrong, or could go wrong, and distort the picture of what is. We can easily paint a reality more dreadful than it is. This tendency gives rise to anxiety and fear that can blind our mind’s eye. From this perspective, it is hard to capture the magic of each moment of being alive and to feel a sense of awe and wonder that is alway beckoning our attention. Our attention is then often lost in endless mental utterances which is perfectly described by the Pali word papanca or mental proliferation.
Right this moment, I’m sitting at a Buddhist monastery in France. My room is quite simple with few furniture. It has been quiet here. There is a beautiful flower on a table and a simple oriental water color painting hanging on the wall. Never forget that cup of tea is in front of me as if it is a sacred substance for the rite of celebrating life. For no particular reason right now, it feels that there is magic everywhere. It’s hard to describe what it is. Is this the wonder of life that is a pure source of joy we can often fail to recognize?
Beside the wisdom of old traditions, modern science is now providing us with quite convincing information about how our mind works. It tells us that our brain has negative bias that can automatically focus on what is wrong in our lives. Such a habit has a powerful impact on our emotions. This gives us such clear insight into why we cannot easily feel that wonder of each moment and the vibrancy of being alive. This scientific idea can be useful for cultivating more and more self-knowledge. No matter what the source of insight might be, they can all be integrated into the dharma. Knowing ourselves deeply is the beginning, as well as the process by which any kind of true change occurs. Knowledge of all of these karmic, mental, and neurological patterns coupled with the right intention and continuous practice of awareness, allows us to unravel these knots with each step we take.
When we contemplate the shortness of this life, there are two very important things to remember. One is to help others in whatever ways we can, and the other is to live with as much joy as possible. Living with true joy is not about shutting down our heart from seeing the ongoing problems in the world or living in a little golden bubble where we intoxicate ourselves in the bliss of false comfort. It is more about not getting caught up in the mental world so that we can open to all situations with an attitude of welcoming the dance of reality. For many of us, life is quite kind most of the time. It would be hard to live in joy if we’re struck by real crisis. Actually, that is only true when ego has the upper hand. Otherwise even in those moments, many surprisingly find themselves being liberated from within.
Let’s welcome this sojong as a celebration to hold the intention to bring more joy in everyday life. It can be time to shed the light of awareness on our inner demons and to hold the intention to let go of our identification with them. It’s also time to remember the significance of a simple smile that reflects the Buddha within.
Much gratitude, Anam Thubten