How Buddhism Would Inspire Psychological Research of Subjective Well-being
Khenpo Sodargye Rinpoche discussed happiness from the perspective of Buddhism. He pointed out that our five sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body—apprehend the external world non-selectively. It is our mind that interprets what has been sensed as either good or bad. This, in turn, registers as feelings of happiness or unhappiness. So happiness is dependent on our mind and not the material world outside. To experience subjective well-being, Buddhism proposes that we awaken our internal blissful wisdom through meditation on the nature of life and death, along with letting go of some of our desires and paying attention to our mind.
Psychology and the Study of the Mind
Excerpt 1: How to Reach Real Happiness
What we encounter in our lives partly relates to the material world but mostly to our inner world. If we don’t fathom the depths of our inner selves, we may not find true happiness in the world.
Excerpt 2: Psychology and the Study of the Mind
I see that much of the research conducted in psychology focuses on biological or neurological concerns. Ironically, it does not directly address the inner workings of our mind. But psychology could most certainly extend itself by instigating research that focuses on the independent level of consciousness.
Excerpt 3: A Glimpse of the Mind
Some branches of psychology claim our consciousness exhibits many forms. Sometimes, consciousness is described as an uninterrupted process, flowing like a river. It has also been compared to a monkey, flitting restlessly from tree to tree. Where one moment it is thinking a person is beautiful, the next moment it is falling asleep, darting like a monkey from one obsession to the next. Consciousness has also been compared to lightning, which disappears the moment it flickers. Thoughts such as desire or anger disappear in an evanescent way the moment they emerge.
Excerpt 4: Inner Mind—Resource of Real Happiness
Our sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body—give us many kinds of information. But that’s all they do. They don’t discern whether this information amounts to happiness or affliction. When we see something, only our mind or mental consciousness determines if it is beautiful or not. In this way, we see how closely related our mind is to our value system. Happiness or affliction may have something to do with the outside world but they are really the subject of our inner mind.
Excerpt 5: Suggestion to Heighten Our Sense of Happiness
Buddhism offers unique methods to help us regain our inner happiness. I’d like to put forward three suggestions: first, Buddhism frequently calls on us to think about death as a way to heighten our sense of happiness. Second, we can sharpen our sense of happiness through losing some of our desires and being content with what we have and where we are. Third, we can increase our happiness by observing the nature of mind.
Excerpt 6: Emancipation or Transmigration? That Is the Question!
A Buddhist quote says, mind is the lord of the three realms of samsara. One who perceives the nature of mind can remove the obstacles to transmigration. One who is unable do so will transmigrate through the triple realms.
Excerpt 7: The Way to Eternal Happiness
One way Buddhism can bring eternal and unchanging happiness that transcends our present joys and pains is through realization of the nature of mind. We can actually reach real happiness through realizing the mind’s nature. Even if you become the most renowned, richest, highest power in the world, you would not attach to the glory you have and can still remain collected. Even if negative circumstances intrude upon your life, you will not lose your happiness. This is a state that can be attained through mediation and practice. Countless enlightened persons in the Orient can attest to this.
A Glimpse of the Mind
Some branches of psychology claim our consciousness exhibits many forms. Sometimes, consciousness is described as an uninterrupted process, flowing like a river. It has also been compared to a monkey, flitting restlessly from tree to tree. Where one moment it is thinking a person is beautiful, the next moment it is falling asleep, darting like a monkey from one obsession to the next. Consciousness has also been compared to lightning, which disappears the moment it flickers. Thoughts such as desire or anger disappear in an evanescent way the moment they emerge.
Suggestion to Heighten Our Sense of Happiness
Buddhism offers unique methods to help us regain our inner happiness. I’d like to put forward three suggestions: first, Buddhism frequently calls on us to think about death as a way to heighten our sense of happiness. Second, we can sharpen our sense of happiness through losing some of our desires and being content with what we have and where we are. Third, we can increase our happiness by observing the nature of mind.
“One way Buddhism can bring eternal and unchanging happiness that transcends our present joys and pains is through realization of the nature of mind. We can actually reach real happiness through realizing the mind’s nature. Then our inherent awareness comes into full bloom.”
