In today's world, we are all in a big race. From the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night, we are running after something. A good job, a nice house, an expensive car, social acceptance - we do all this with one hope. That is "happiness". But do we really get that happiness? And even if we get it, how long does that happiness last?
Many people think that happiness is something that we have to get from outside. But true happiness, that is, the peace that never changes, the unshakable, is inside our hearts. We call it "The Ultimate Freedom".
1. The Myth of Happiness and Temporary Pleasure
We usually say "happy" to the feeling we feel when we get something we want. For example, when you eat your favorite food or buy a new dress, you feel happy. But where is that happiness once you finish eating that food or when that dress gets old? It fades.
The human mind is always looking for something new. When it gets one, it says it wants another. This is like chasing a mirage. We think that when we reach that goal, we will be happy. But when we get there, we see another goal. Because of this boundless desire, the mind is always in a state of restlessness. Real happiness is not about getting these things, but about being free from this "thirst for getting".
2. What is renunciation?
Many people are afraid when they hear the word "renunciation". They think that they should throw away their belongings and go to the forest to live. But real renunciation is not about giving up material things, but about giving up the "attachment" in their minds to those things.
The more we cling to something, the more we inherit suffering. If you love your car very much, even a small scratch on it causes you unbearable pain. Scratching the car is not the problem, the problem is that you hold on to that car as "mine". Use things, take advantage of them, but do not make them the determining factors in your peace of mind. If you can accept the loss of something with a smile and say, "That's the nature of the world," you are very close to true happiness.
3. The three fires burning within the heart
There are three main fires that destroy our peace of mind. Extinguishing these three fires is the path to true freedom.
Craving: The feeling of "I want more." This always makes the mind restless.
Aversion: The anger that arises when something we don't like happens to us or when we meet someone we don't like. This is a fire that burns the mind.
Ignorance: Not understanding the true state of things. Holding on to them, thinking that everything is eternal.
The silence and coolness that arise where this fire is extinguished is the ultimate peace. It does not depend on any external factor. Even if the world turns upside down, the peace within that person's heart does not waver.
4. Freedom from the feeling of "I"
The root of most of our suffering is the feeling of "I" and "mine". "My image", "my honor", "my opinion" - we are shocked when these are damaged even slightly. But if we look deeper, even our body changes over time. Our thoughts change from second to second. So where is the permanent "I"?
The lightness you feel the day you let go of this burden of "I" is indescribable. When you do something for others, if there is no "I" there, you do not need to expect benefits. The happiness you get is pure.
5. The art of living in the present moment
The main quality that someone who seeks true happiness must have is "Mindfulness". Our mind is always either thinking about the mistakes we have made in the past and feeling sad, or thinking about the things that will happen in the future and feeling afraid. Because of this, we miss the "present moment" that we really have to live in.
True freedom is in the present moment. Pay attention to the moment you breathe, the moment you walk, the moment you eat. Do not let the mind wander. When the mind is attuned, you can experience a wonderful silence, even in the midst of the noise of the outside world.
6. Suffering is a gateway
Many people try to escape from suffering when it comes. But the one who seeks true happiness looks at suffering as if he were looking at a teacher. Feeling suffering means that you are "holding on" to something somewhere. Suffering comes to free you.
When life's problems come, learn to look at them with detachment. Keep in mind the thought, "This too shall pass." The one who sees that both happiness and suffering are temporary cannot be troubled by anything. That unwavering nature is the "ultimate healing".
7. Final conclusion: Nibbana or true freedom
This great peace that we are talking about, that is, Nibbana, is not a gift that comes after death. It is a state that can be created from within the mind right now, while we are still alive. It is not a separation from the outside world, but the freedom to be in the outside world and not be subject to anything.
True happiness is not just a smiling face, but a calm mind without disturbance. That mind, free from attachments, desires and fears, is the most valuable thing in the world.
You too, from today, learn to let go of small things. Try to bring your mind to the present. Then you will realize that what you have been searching for outside for a long time is a treasure that was already inside your heart.