Am I Truly Living?

Some of us feel that our lives lack meaning, that they are not worth living.  We suffer because we lack direction.  No matter how wealthy or powerful we may be, if our mind is chaotic and we lack clarity in our path, we become the most miserable people in the world.  However, if we have a meaningful direction in life—one that reflects our compassion—we will know how to alleviate suffering for ourselves and those around us.

When we have the opportunity to receive the teachings, gain practice experience, and understand that during difficult times the teachings can save us from despair, we can move toward peace and liberation.  The teachings help us access the shore of tranquility and freedom.  By returning to our innate mindfulness and having faith in ourselves, peace and happiness naturally arise, making us truly content.

We often think happiness comes from having a lot of money, a beautiful spouse, fame, power, high social status, or satisfying our sexual desires.  Many of us chase after sensual pleasures, only to realize that the more we become entangled in craving wealth, fame, power, sensuality, fine foods, and indulgent sleep, the more we suffer.

We mistakenly believe that these five sensual pleasures are essential for happiness, but now we’ve awakened to the truth that genuine happiness arises from letting go and reclaiming inner freedom.  Therefore, the Buddha advised us to frequently reflect on the true nature of these pleasures and learn to generate wholesome joy and happiness to nurture ourselves.

"Breathing in, I feel joy." This is not an empty promise but a result of contemplating the nature of our happiness and touching the wholesome, joyful elements of everyday life.

Joy through Letting Go

Joy arises when we practice letting go—joy born of letting go. Then there is joy born of concentration, meaning happiness comes from the ability to focus and abide in concentration.  We have learned the benefits of concentration.  For example, whether we feel great joy while eating an orange depends on our mindfulness and concentration.  When we eat mindfully, fully present, the joy and happiness we experience are immense.

The conditions for happiness are always within and around us, but because our mind is not present or concentrated, we fail to recognize them.

A Story of Mindful Walking

There was a young meditation practitioner living in Paris who loved walking meditation.  However, living in a busy city where everyone seemed to be running frantically, she was swept up in the rush.  One day, she took the elevator with an elderly woman who walked slowly and unhurriedly.  Observing the woman, the young practitioner reflected:
"Am I truly living?  Why am I always running like this?  I feel like I’m living as though I were dead."
The elderly woman replied, "That’s true.  But you’re young; your legs are strong, and you can run.  I’m old and can’t run like you anymore.  If I ran, I’d fall forward."

Having healthy legs to walk and run is a condition for happiness. Many wish to run but cannot. Instead of complaining, shouldn’t we feel grateful?  Mindfulness generates insight, and that insight brings happiness:
"Breathing in, I know my legs are strong, capable of running and walking.  Breathing out, I smile with happiness."  Mindfulness and concentration are the foundation of happiness.

The Gift of Aging

Older people have their own advantages.  If they are aware of the conditions for happiness present within and around them in the moment, they will be deeply content.  Witnessing the fleeting nature of life brings maturity and the ability to savor every moment, appreciating the positive elements within themselves. They no longer rush like the young.  They sit quietly, living deeply in every moment.

When young, we are like a rushing waterfall, pouring from the heights to the depths.  In old age, we become a serene river, gently flowing and reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the riverbed below.  The youthful, roaring stream cannot reflect in the same way.  If the elderly can recognize the positive aspects of their lives, they can also touch true happiness.

Living with Mindfulness

We need to cultivate mindfulness to recognize the elements of life present in the current moment, and concentration helps us live deeply with these elements.  Concentration is the ability to stay focused on an object of meditation without distraction. Concentration generates joy and peace, sustaining happiness for a long time.

If we manage the 24 hours of our day skillfully, we will find that one day of life is abundant.  Concentration allows us to feel that a day is endless.  On the other hand, if we live in distraction—our body here but our mind elsewhere—we lose ourselves and the essence of life.  A day spent in forgetfulness is a wasted day.  But for those who live mindfully and with concentration, every moment becomes a treasure of life.

Buddha’s Legacy

The Buddha left us not abstract, theoretical doctrines but a legacy of his lived experience.  Every step of the Buddha radiated peace, stability, and freedom.  His compassion not only embraced people and beings of his time but continues to touch us in our era as well.

Excerpt from the book “Breath, Nourishment, and Healing” by Thich Nhat Hanh.