Practical Mind

An Intelligent Approach to Happiness

Teachings with Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoche

Do you ever think, “If I had more money I would be happier” or “If I were better looking” or smarter, or more famous or more successful... Our habit is to believe that external things or alternative ways of life will bring happiness or at least, guard against sadness. Yet a little thought will show that when the mind is unhappy, wealth, adulation, intelligence or beauty don’t help. From Howard Hughes, through Elvis to Michael Jackson we see clear evidence that these kinds of external circumstances cannot protect us from unhappy states of mind.

The reverse is also true. When we have a happy mind, then a cool glass of water or the air we breathe can be enough. With a happy mind, we don’t need anything else.

The question Rinpoche will explore in this talk is, “What truly gives rise to happy mind states.” The answer does not require belief but instead, a willingness to apply honest enquiry to all our experiences.

All Welcome.