We are born to be happy - 2

[Guest guest]

Q:What does our world need to become a better

place?<br>DL: Undoubtedly we need to be more compassionate.

<br><br>Q: How can we practice compassion?<br>DL: Through

awareness! I think that ignorance and afflictive emotions,

called klesh in Sanskrit, give rise to unwanted

circumstances. As far as ignorance is concerned, not just

Buddhism, every religion recognizes it as the source of

suffering. All over the world, much effort is put in

education. It is something sacred as it helps to get rid of

ignorance. But we have to be careful about the kind of

education we impart to our children. Now I see

well-educated people who are so unhappy. Sometimes, I think

those who use their minds too much are unhappier than

the simple people who don't. Why do they become

unhappy? It is because of too much desire, hatred, and

jealousy. The antidote to weaken that is increasing the

right kind of knowledge. I think, perhaps knowledge

coupled with a warm heart brings wisdom.<br>Compassion,

or karuna, stems from wisdom. For instance, animals

with their limited intelligence, are happier and more

peaceful than we are. Even so, I have observed that

animals become aggressive during the mating season

because there is now attachment to the mate. Attachment

awakens feelings of klesh within them. Similarly for us,

if there is less attachment and jealousy, we are

able to focus within.<br>I believe that whether a

person follows any religion or not is unimportant, he

must have a good heart, a warm heart. This is

essential for a happy life, which is much more important

than Buddhahood. This is part of what I call 'secular

ethics'. <br>Q: Are we not conditioned by our past karma

that may not allow us to be loving and compassionate?

How can karma be transcended?<br>DL: By acting with

awareness.<br><br>Contd.../<br><br>HariAum!<br>Devan