The Growth of Joy: Finding Lasting Happiness

In our ordinary lives, joy often comes as a result of external circumstances. We feel joy when we meet someone special, achieve a long-desired goal, or acquire material possessions. However, these moments of joy are fleeting and cannot be sustained. They are like passing clouds that bring temporary happiness but soon dissipate, leaving us in a state of deep sadness.

But there is another kind of joy, a joy that arises for no reason at all. It is a joy that cannot be attributed to any external factor or event. It simply emerges from within, without any cause or explanation. When this uncaused joy arises, it is a sign that something profound is happening within us.

This uncaused joy is different from the joys that are dependent on external circumstances. It is not dependent on anything or anyone. It is not conditional. It does not come and go. It is a constant presence, always there, regardless of the ups and downs of life.

When we experience this uncaused joy, we cannot explain why we are joyous. If someone were to ask us, “Why are you so joyous?” we would be at a loss for words. There is no reason, no logical explanation. It is simply a state of being.

This uncaused joy is unshakable. It cannot be disturbed by external events or circumstances. No matter what happens in our lives, this joy remains untouched. It is a deep wellspring of happiness that flows from within, independent of the external world.

As we cultivate and nurture this uncaused joy, we come closer to experiencing true enlightenment, or what is often referred to as buddha hood. When this joy becomes an integral part of our being, it transforms us. It becomes the guiding force in our lives, allowing us to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties with a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Age does not diminish this uncaused joy. Whether we are young or old, this joy remains constant. Even in the face of death, it does not waver. It is a timeless presence that transcends the limitations of our physical existence.

When we discover this uncaused joy, we realize that true happiness does not depend on external circumstances. It is not something that can be acquired or achieved. It is already within us, waiting to be awakened and embraced.

So, let us embark on the journey of uncovering this uncaused joy. Let us cultivate a state of being where joy is not dependent on anything outside of ourselves. Let us find lasting happiness that remains unshaken amidst the ever-changing tides of life.

Remember, true joy is not found in the external world; it is found within. It is a growth of joy that arises for no reason at all.