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Mindfulness and True Happiness
The practice of dwelling peacefully in the present moment is expressed in simple actions such as lifting a cup of tea, breathing in and breathing out, or taking a mindful step. When we drink tea with our full presence, body and mind in harmony, not pulled away by the past or the future, we touch the wonders of life and experience freedom from regret and worry. Just one mindful breath or one mindful step is enough to bring body and mind together, to offer true freedom and inner happiness, just like sitting beside the Buddha, breathing and listening to his Dharma talk.
The path of practice to return to ourselves does not require lofty knowledge or mastery of the five great sutras, but begins with mindfulness in our daily activities. Those who chase after the five sensual desires—
- wealth,
- sensual pleasure,
- fame,
- delicious food,
-
sleep—
still suffer because they cannot touch true inner freedom. We need two basic steps: to return to our five skandhas, to recognize, embrace, and transform the suffering within; and then to build a Sangha—starting with our family, extending to our workplace or community—to nurture the wonders of life and to heal our collective suffering.