Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realise your ideal of compassion.
Nhat HanhRead
As long as we think our lives are not good enough (materially), we will not have happiness. As soon as we realize our lives are good enough, happiness immediately appears. That is the practice of contentment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness comes from recognizing and appreciating what we have rather than constantly longing for more.
In this quote, Nhat Hanh emphasizes the importance of contentment in achieving true happiness. He suggests that the perception of our lives determines our emotional state; if we see our lives as lacking, we will continue to be unhappy. However, once we acknowledge the sufficiency of what we possess and embrace gratitude for our circumstances, happiness naturally follows. This idea promotes a mindful approach to life, encouraging us to focus on the present and find joy in our current situation.
Themes
HappinessContentmentGratitudeAppreciationMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a personal development workshop to encourage participants to practice gratitude.
More from Nhat Hanh
All quotes βI have lost my smile, but don't worry. The dandelion has it.
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I realize that many elements of the Buddhist teaching can be found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam. I think if Buddhism can help, it is the concrete methods of practice.
Nhat HanhRead
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, and in my way of life.
Nhat HanhRead
The therapist does not treat patients by simply giving them another set of beliefs. He or she tries to help them see which kinds of ideas and beliefs have led to their suffering. Many patients want to get rid of their painful feelings, but they do not want to get rid of their beliefs, the viewpoints that are the very roots of their feelings.
Nhat HanhRead
Scientists tell us that we have enough technology to save our planet. . . . Yet we don't take advantage of this new technology. . . . The technological has to work hand-in-hand with the spiritual. Our spiritual life is the element that can bring about the energies of peace, calm, brotherhood, understanding, and compassion. Without that, our planet doesn't stand a chance.
Nhat HanhRead
Similar quotes
Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.
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Enthusiasm Rules his inner world. Determination Rules his outer world. Therefore Happiness has become His real name.
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I don't mind to look older. I don't have this urge that so many people have that they've always got to look young all _x000D_ their lives. I think you should be the age you are and enjoy it... But if you want to have it, go ahead and have it, _x000D_ but take a good look before you do because, just maybe, you look absolutely beautiful the way you are.
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Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.
Ralph MarstonRead
Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. RooseveltRead
Now,I'm no scientist,but I know what endorphins are. They're tiny little magical elves that swim through your blood stream and tell funny jokes to each other. When they reach your brain,you hear what they're saying and that boosts your health and happiness. "Knock Knock... Who's There?.. Little endorphin... Little endorphin who?... Little Endorphin Annie." And then the endorphins laugh and then you laugh. See? Its Science.
Ellen DegeneresRead