Jul 5, 2021
“Renunciation is not the same as giving up pleasure or denying ourselves happiness. It means giving up our unreal expectations about ordinary pleasures. These expectations themselves are what turn pleasure into pain.” —Lama Yeshe
Is it is real cause of happiness?
- Does it cause unwanted side effects?
- Every time we turn to it for pleasure does it make us happy?
- Does it bring peace
- Does it set us up for disappointment or pain?
If you answer yes to 1 and 4 or no to 2 and 3, it can’t be a real cause of happiness.
Not by means of shaven head
Does someone dishonest and undisciplined
Become a renunciant.
How could someone filled with longing and greed
Be a renunciant?
Someone who has pacified evil,
Small and great,
In every way,
Is, for that reason, called a renunciant. (Verse 264-265)
—Buddha, The Dhammapada
References
Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 69. (Link)
Yeshe, Thupten. Introduction to Tantra. (Kindle). Wisdom Publications, Somerville, 2014. (Link)