Q. How does one overcome sadness?

Subjectively, anger is experienced with a high degree of intensity. In contrast, sadness is typically felt as lethargy and with down-levels of energy.
However, the Dhamma tells us that the root of both emotional states is the same. In the Buddha’s teaching, sadness is treated and thought of in the same light as anger - they are two sides of the same coin.

Both sadness and anger derive from Moha (delusion and ignorance). From Moha, Lobha (attachment and greed) arises, which manifests as our desired or conceptualized possessions - what we 'have' and/or what we want.  Dissonance between reality and our Lobha gives way to Dosa (aversion and anger).

Herein is the process by which we become sad and angry - unfulfilled expectations born from attachment and greed, which in turn stems from ignorance and delusion.

Our job is to practice and study this system of mind in order to understand it as completely as the Buddha did himself.

As a vipassana meditator, we begin to understand this process by being mindfully (Sati) aware of it.

We seek to observe and understand the causal relationship between moha, lobha, and dosa. In this way, you will begin to see your kamma (karma). Once observed, it will dissipate at a rate proportionate to its strength. When the wisdom (Paññā) arises, it will be disappeared. The arising of wisdom is dependent on your understanding of anicca (impermanence), dukkha (dissatisfaction), and anatta (non-ego).

May you be free from any suffering!
May you be well and peaceful!
May your Wisdom arise through the understanding of Dhamma!

With Metta,

Ayyā Kosallā
Edited by Max Montgomery   

If you have any questions related to dhamma & meditation, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at Bhikkhuni.Kosalla@gmail.com. 

법에 대한 질문이 있으신 분은 위의 이메일 주소로 질문을 남겨주세요.

위빠사나명상의 마음관찰에 대한 논문을 한글 원본으로 읽고 싶으신 분은 클릭해서 다운로드 받을 수 있습니다. (네이버에 PDF 첨부)

The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.

Bhikkuni Kosalla Vipassini resides in Mahabodhi Meditation Vihara in Arizona, USA. Donations are gratefully accepted, whether you provide needed requisites for the monastic, or offer funds. If you are inspired to donate, you may do so.

Mahabodhi Meditation Vihara: P.O. Box 27611 Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9998 Contact: mahabmedi@gmail.com

All donations to the Mahabodhi Meditation Vihara are tax-deductible in the United States in accordance with IRS code section 501(c)(3) EIN 92-1744707. To request a receipt for your donation, please e-mail to mahabmedi@gmail.com.

Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu! 
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!

​Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!  
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!

Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !