Deep Thought

I spent a moment scrolling through the photos posted by His Holiness Dalai Lama (HHDL) of scenes from his current teachings.  Photos of His Holiness, and masses upon masses of people.  Very beautiful, colourful, and peaceful images.


I have been a minor study of finding "happiness" or whatever it might be, for several decades - oddends of books, workshops, and an overall general inquisitiveness towards what makes us do what we do - and how we might do it all better.  My study became more intensive after my life imploded in the early parts of this century.  One of the outcomes was a realization and acceptance that the "happiness" or whatever comes directly from the inside, and the inside only.


I even remember reading that by the mere continuation of seeking, you violate the fundamental basis of the "happiness" process.  In my own version of an Australian walkabout in 2008, I remember the day, the place and the feeling when I said, I may as well die, cuz I've gone to heaven.  And a light clicked on and went, wait, that's it, it's the place you choose to be.  It is the place that you are in, no earlier or later, the present.  Heaven (and God if you choose) is within each and everyone of us.  Stop seeking, stop doing and just start being.  Be grateful for each and every aspect of your life.  A good friend said to me - A House Full of Gratitude Has No Place for Fear to Hide.  Easier said than done but ..... 


So if the answer is to stop seeking and live in the moment, within the boundaries of our own realities and expectations while being grateful for everything in our lives, then how does that mesh with His Holiness and the throngs of followers, all seeking?  Or are they seeking?  Or is it as simple as their process of seeking the knowledge and understanding that His Holiness has is their chosen path.  A path for them that is happiness.  I remember when I returned for my Aussie trip, a friend had given me the book, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.  A fabulous fable, well told.  She asked me if I still wanted a Ferrari.  I responded, of course, but I now realize that my happiness is not in the Ferrari, but me, and me alone.  And it is our choice.  Fully Completely (Tragically Hip 1982).  Fully completely our choice for the making.