Happiness From a Glass of Cold Water?

Now it might be helpful to examine various sources of the experience of true happiness. What are we familiar with? What do we associate as a truly happy experience? For example, we could ask, “Is happiness a drink of cold water?” On a very hot day, if we drink a refreshing glass of cold water, we feel bliss for a moment. When our thirst is quenched by the cold water, we might then say that happiness is a glass of cold water. But happiness does not come from a glass of cold water. If true happiness was derived from cold water, then it would follow that on a freezing day when we are shivering in the snow, a cold glass of water should give us the same level of happiness. But on a freezing day, it would not work that way, would it?

It is easy to understand that the root of happiness is not that glass of water. Certainly there is a relationship, a connection, but what is that connection? The connection is based on the conditions surrounding us, our concepts, and on how our mind is grasping at the situation.

Excerpt From
Loving Life As It Is
Chakung Jigme Wangdrak

Image: Kawita Chitprathak