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Impermanence - Happiness and Suffering - Self and Non-Self
Happiness is not merely a pleasant feeling (pleasant sensation), but a deep awareness that we are experiencing that joy; only when there is peace in the mind can true joy arise. The interbeing of suffering and happiness is evident in this: if we do not know hunger, we cannot cherish a delicious meal; if we do not know cold, we cannot truly feel warmth. Temporary pleasures from eating, drinking, or sensuality are merely momentary excitements if the mind is not at peace, and can even lead to deeper suffering.
To practice happiness in the present moment is based on three elements:
- Mindfulness – full awareness of the breath, of each action, to generate joy and happiness;
- Concentration – focusing on the object (the breath, the joy) so that happiness can penetrate deeply;
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Insight – looking deeply into the nature of impermanence, non-self, and impurity, breaking through delusion to realize true liberation and peace.
Along with this is the spirit of letting go (renunciation) of all notions and binding conditions, nourishing great love, keeping the precepts to protect ourselves and others, so that happiness is present in every moment of daily life.