We are born to be happy-7

[Guest guest]

Q:If the goal of life is happiness, where does

nirvana fit in?<br>DL: Now you are talking about another

level. At the first level, you need to practice basic

human values. Then, you can talk of nirvana, which

means permanent cessation of suffering. So we come back

to happiness! <br><br>Q: How can nirvana be made

possible?<br>DL: (Laughs) It is possible because it is possible to

eliminate all negative emotions! When Buddha Sakyamuni

experienced mahaparinirvana, his mind ceased and he was freed

from the karmic cycle of birth and death. Nagarjuna

says clearly that the pure mind has no counterforce,

and only those that have a counterforce can cease,

like matter. The mind, and space too, have no

counterforce and so have no reason to cease. In the case of

other afflictive emotions, they might end if they have

strong positive counter forces. But in case of the mind,

we cannot say that it will come to an end, as it is

difficult to find a strong antidote that will hinder its

existence, as in the case of space. Here, you could argue by

saying that in that case, could we put an end to

loving-kindness or compassion because they have strong

counter-forces? On investigation, we will realize that kindness

and love usually accompany wisdom whereas anger and

hatred might seem strong but have no praman

(proof/basis). Everything that is good and right is the result

of valid perception. Based on this, the more you

analyze, the more you will be able to hold on to reality.

If it is something wrong, however strong it appears,

as you analyze it, its falsehood will be revealed.

<br><br>Suppose you feel angry with a person called Gupta, ask

yourself: 'Who is Gupta?' 'Is he a body, or is he a mind?'

You will see that there is no answer. Immediately,

the feeling of hatred subsides, as it has not found a

target. But karuna (compassion) is different as it is not

dependent on identifying a target. Because of this,

Buddhist philosophy refers to karuna as the mind that does

not perceive the object. Maitri (amity), karuna and

bodhichitta (the matured soul) do not perceive any object.

Did you get the point? (laughs)<br><br>Of course,

this is the Buddhist explanation and is very precise.

I think it is because of the richness of Sanskrit,

which is highly developed in this (metaphysical)

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