Episode 199 - A Disciplined Mind Brings Happiness

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox

Buddha taught that "A disciplined mind brings happiness." In this episode, we explore how shedding the habits of mind that are harmful to ourselves or others is the key to our own happiness.

In the stillness of reflection, we may notice how easily the mind clings to habits that bring harm—to ourselves, to others, to the fragile beauty of our relationships. Perhaps it is anger, rising like a sudden storm, that steals our peace. Or it could be an endless loop of self-criticism that pains us. These are habits of mind that obscure our happiness.

When we take up the work of letting go—of releasing judgment, anger, envy, fear—we are not losing anything. We are gaining the freedom to connect with the happiness that has always been ours to reap.

This letting go requires discipline, yes. But not the cold, harsh kind. It is the discipline of kindness, of gently steering our minds away from harm and toward healing. Buddha's teaching reminds us that we are not our anger, our jealousy, our despair. These are visitors, and we can send them on their way! In that letting go, we return to ourselves—whole, radiant, and alive with joy. It is a daily practice and perhaps a lifelong one. But as we strive in this practice, we uncover the deep truth of life: our joy is not something to be sought; it is something to be revealed.

May we each take up this practice with courage and tenderness, knowing that as we uncover our joy, we offer it to the world.

Whoever lets passion, aversion,

Conceit, and hypocrisy fall away

Like a mustard seed from the tip of an awl,

I call a brahmin.

--Buddha, The Dhammapada Verse 407

References and Links

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 78 (Link)

Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 2. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor. [Kindle] Pages 143-149.

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