Opening to suffering is essential if we are to find true happiness. The Buddha's teaching on how suffering can lead to faith, gladness, joy and freedom is explored. Gratitude as a way to hold our suffering is also discussed.
We develop appreciative joy (Mudita) by focusing on the happiness in others' lives and our life, leading also to a sense of gratitude. Joy and happiness then serve as links that lead onward to liberation.
Lovingkindness and the other brahma viharas show us the possibility of an appropriate response to the joys and sorrows of life. The practice of mudita for oneself leads to the beautiful state of gratitude.
This talk continues the exploration of how the practice cultivates happiness and joy. Topics include mindfulness as appreciation, wonder, gratitude, bliss of blamelessness, letting go, mudita, friendship and liberation.
