This is the way human mind is. This is the way undisciplined ones live and they are ever lost, not knowing how to pull themselves out of the problems of life, they continue to live in delusion and suffer immensely.
The way to happiness is clear, is simple to understand, not too difficult to follow, but the mind is ever weak and is subject to the easy ways of life that lead to suffering. Knowing what suffering is, being afraid to be in pains, ever wishing for happiness, yet how many will strenuously seek the goal of happiness?
Everyone is like a child - Refusing to grow up, ever wanting to be spoiled and enjoys being so, he prefers to live in a dream that must end sooner or later. Wake up! There is no time to lose! Time is fast going by and before long one becomes an aged one and then it will be too late to begin the search. Procrastination is the killer of mind and he who is slave to it will always end up with regret. Those who live with excuses will run out of them when their times are due and then lamentation begins. Who is to blame but one’s own self?
To be able to live as a human being, one has done quite well and accumulated vast merits in the past. Having worked so hard to qualify for a human life, which is the stepping stone to higher existences, one must not foolishly waste time and indulge in acts that will send oneself to the lower realms in the future. To be born as an animal is worse than any of the lowest human being. To be born as a ghost or a hell being is the greatest punishment one can receive. The Dharma is before the human eyes, for the mind to comprehend so that he who practises it whole-heartedly can be raised from the position of a beggar to that of a Deva, even a Buddha!
Drop all useless complaints about how unfair life has been to you. Work for your own better future, seek salvation! Understand the teachings and apply the methods of practice which are available to all. Who can be poorer than a forest monk who owns nothing and yet who can be happier than him who has nothing?
If you prefer to cling on to things, if you keep on entertaining desires which are beyond your grasps, if you hang on to false views, you are only creating your own hell! Rise above that, be wise! Live in contentment. If you are neither too poor or too rich, and you are happy; if you have health, a good family, nice friends, and read the Dharma seriously, it will not be too difficult to find happiness. The moment your mind abides on thoughts of greed, lust, envy and other negativities, you will experience suffering of an unsettled mind.
Guard your mind daily, better still each moment of the day, against mental states which are harmful. Make sure your prayers are not entirely selfish, do your bit to bring love and happiness to others and seek to live with discipline according to the Buddha’s words!
Friday, 25th January 1985 (12th Moon 5th Day)