Happiness cannot be found
through great effort and willpower,
but is already here, right now,
in relaxation and letting go.
Don’t strain yourself, there is nothing to do.
Whatever arises in the mind
has no importance at all,
because it has no reality whatsoever.
Don’t become attached to it. Don’t pass judgement.
Let the game happen on its own,
emerging and falling back – without changing anything –
and all will vanish and begin anew, without end.
Only our searching for happiness prevents us from seeing it.
It is like a rainbow which you run after without ever catching it.
Although it does not exist, it has always been there
and accompanies you every instant.
Don’t believe in the reality of good and bad experiences;
they are like rainbows.
Wanting to grasp the ungraspable you exhaust yourself in vain.
As soon as you relax this grasping,
there is space – open, inviting and comfortable.
So make use of it. Everything is already yours.
Search no more,
Don’t go into the inextricable jungle
looking for the elephant who is already quietly at home.
Nothing to do,
nothing to force,
nothing to want
and everything happens by itself.

by Lama Gendun Rinpoche

 

I just love this poem. I love the analogy and thought of us all chasing our tails trying to find happiness when it is there all along. I love the thought of the elephant quieting resting at home as we frantically search the jungle of life for hi.

I recognise in myself the fact that I am often searching for things to make me happy, and yet I have so many ingredients of happiness in me already.  I forget. Having resisted a recent mood enticing me to brood a bit, with events in the world, this poem brings me right back home to rest.

Warmest wishes

 

Jacky