Dhamma Letter No. 23
Three Kinds of Happiness
The Buddha defined three realms:
Desired realm
Fine material realm
Immaterial realm
He taught that each of these three realms correspond to a particular type of happiness:
Happiness achieved from one’s desire (desired realm)
Happiness experienced within the tranquility of jhana (meditative absorption), during which desire dissipates (fine material and immaterial realms)
The ultimate happiness, nibbana (nirvana), which arises from the cessation of dukkha (beyond the three realms)
It is not always possible to simply will oneself to nibbana in this very life. If one maintains enlightenment as their goal, it will require significant time and practice to achieve. Additionally, if one’s kamma is yet perfected (parami), attainment of the ultimate happiness is impossible regardless of their desires.
It is important to understand the existence of the multi-realm world and in which world you currently abide. The goals of most religions are confined to the desired realm. That is to say they instruct courses of action supposing a desire to be born or given entrée into heaven in the afterlife.
The Buddha taught the progression from the desired to the immaterial world through nibbana must be cultivated step-by-step via sila (virtue, 戒), samadhi (tranquility, 定), and panna (wisdom, 慧). The first step, sila, begins with dana (generosity; see Dhamma Letter No. 2). We have to study and practice over many lifetimes - this is called samsara.
May all be in peace and happy!
May you all accomplish your wishes!
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.
이번 주부터 연재되는 위빠사나명상의 마음관찰에 대한 논문을 한글 원본으로 읽고 싶으신 분은 클릭해서 다운로드 받을 수 있습니다. (네이버에 PDF 첨부)
The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.
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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 !