Unconditional happiness within ordinary happiness.

 I used to think that unconditional happiness was “up there” somewhere, and ordinary happiness was where we are…not so!

 “Unconditional happiness is that which does not rely on any conditions: it is our true nature. No outside force can disturb it (yes, the mind can be disturbed, but not our essence).                          Ordinary happiness relies on conditions, so if we take that condition away, the happiness goes. In fact, the searching and maintaining of ordinary happiness is the cause of our suffering!”

 This is pretty straightforward. However, on closer inspection, maybe there is another way of looking at this.

 If we look at ordinary happiness, it is desire, because it relies on a condition of wanting something. However, as we now know, desire has a wisdom aspect, which is the wisdom of discrimination – and it is very precise. This is one of the five qualities of pure awareness. These five wisdoms are known as the five buddha families.

( see the previous piece, The Five Buddha Families )

 So how do we find unconditional happiness in ordinary happiness? It is in the very first instance!

 Let’s say, you fancy a cup of coffee. In the very first instant of tasting, it is totally satisfying: it’s got to your brain – satisfied! You can then finish the cup – or not. It’s the same with a meal: we just have to know when enough is enough…and it’s actually the same with sex! We can enjoy, but we do not have to over indulge all the time. Have you noticed how huge cups of coffee are nowadays?! They’ve  even changed the name of sizes, and “small” is now called “regular”….do we really need such massive coffees?

 The body has needs, but does it really need such large portions? That’s advertising for you. And men…do we really always have to exhaust ourselves with ejaculating every time? We can enjoy a gentle coasting: over indulgence pays a toll on the body, and subtle energy is lost.

 This all down to personal choice, but one can notice in sex that there is a moment of satisfaction, just before the ‘point of no return’. There are no hard and fast rules, but it can help just to be aware of the body. Coasting can keep the mind alert and bright, whereas when we over indulge, it can dull the mind, and that is what the modern world is all about!

 Unconditional happiness within ordinary happiness is equivalent to unconditional love within ordinary love. The unconditional part creates space…it is not sticky!

Live long and prosper!