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Viet Thuong
In the Middle Length Discourses (Sutra 128, corresponding to the Majjhima Nikāya), the term Dwelling happily in the present moment (Pāli: Diṭṭhadhamma-sukhavihārī) refers to the happiness that is experienced “here and now,” in this very life, not something to be awaited in the future. For the lay friend (Upāsaka), the Buddha encourages the practice of:
- The Five Mindfulness Trainings
-
The Four Uplifting Minds (contemplation of the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, and the Precepts)
Through these practices, one can live peacefully in the present moment, not caught in suffering about the past or anxiety about the future.
In the practice of meditation (the first, second, third, and fourth dhyanas), the Buddha uses the term Dwelling happily in the present moment instead of “reduction or elimination” to emphasize the positive nature of:
- Joy and happiness born from letting go of sensual desires
- Vitakka (applied thought) and vicāra (sustained thought) contributing to concentration and ease
- Right thinking (reflection on gratitude) helping to cut through suffering, bringing the mind back to “here and now”
Present-moment Nirvana (Diṭṭhidhammikanibbāna), as taught in the Saṃyukta Āgama (Sutra 365, Volume 15), has three elements:
• Letting go of sensual desires (releasing attachments)
• Complete cessation (eliminating the notion of suffering)
• Non-arising of latent tendencies (no longer being troubled by deep-seated afflictions)
When the mind is completely liberated, that is Nirvana in the present moment, not a state to be reached in the future.
