"Life means a joyful participation in a world of sorrows, and that suffering is not the same as unhappiness."
This world of maya offers innumerable permutations of suffering. Knowing that all the sorrows are transient and constantly changing, just as moments of pure joy are often fleeting, can bring one to an equilibrium of the spirit. Smile at what is inevitable, smile still at what is surprising. Pathos- is my favorite aspect of ancient Greek philosophy- for it finds the beauty in tragedy. It is what allows people to be resilient in the face of unspeakable loss. It is what allows hope to slip in through the door of misery in hard times. There was an article in NY times about a woman looking back at her life after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and she finds something profound- "happy moments in her life cannot erase the losses she’s known; nor can those losses ever keep her from knowing happiness." Life is a circle, keep the faith.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Happiness Comes Only From Within
for Sohini
The world is a many splendored place
full of hardship and grace.
You may have some losses and and many wins
but remember, happiness comes only from within.
Much of our lives are spent striving, striving, striving...
for success, fortune and material things.
Relationships can bring joy, make you grin
but really, happiness comes only from within.
What is this "within," you may ask.
It is what's left when you take off the worldly mask.
If the fates decide to have their merry way,
"within" is what holds you in sway.
When they take away all that used to sustain,
yet, grounded to peace you remain.
Then, you have found the secret, my dear
and the path to well being will become clear.
Humans are fickle, money can come and go.
Good health is a blessing, until it isn't so!
Through all of life's travails, you must keep one thing whole
And that unchanging constant is your soul.
Don't let other's foolishness or mistakes leave a scar.
Taking responsibility fully for your attitude will take you far.
When external events overwhelm you, dig in.
For happiness, really, comes only from within.
The world is a many splendored place
full of hardship and grace.
You may have some losses and and many wins
but remember, happiness comes only from within.
Much of our lives are spent striving, striving, striving...
for success, fortune and material things.
Relationships can bring joy, make you grin
but really, happiness comes only from within.
What is this "within," you may ask.
It is what's left when you take off the worldly mask.
If the fates decide to have their merry way,
"within" is what holds you in sway.
When they take away all that used to sustain,
yet, grounded to peace you remain.
Then, you have found the secret, my dear
and the path to well being will become clear.
Humans are fickle, money can come and go.
Good health is a blessing, until it isn't so!
Through all of life's travails, you must keep one thing whole
And that unchanging constant is your soul.
Don't let other's foolishness or mistakes leave a scar.
Taking responsibility fully for your attitude will take you far.
When external events overwhelm you, dig in.
For happiness, really, comes only from within.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
