The endless pursuit of happiness can fill nearly all our mental space - which is often why there feels very little space within the mind. One of the most powerful methods to create Mind Space is to discover the direct source of happiness. When our mind is full of virtue then naturally we experience peace and happiness - a deep and long lasting experience arises naturally out of this experience.
Aristotle a famous Greek philosopher proclaimed in one of his ancient books Ethics:
“Happiness arises from the flourishing of virtue in the soul.”
When I first read these words they left a dramatic effect on my mind. It was pointing the direction to a new experience. To look within for happiness through the cultivation of virtue - when the mind is mixed with virtue, we are happy. When there is an absence of virtue then our experience of happiness is limited. Material acquisitions can only provide a certain amount of satisfaction before we are left seeking more...and more.
Meditation practice helps to cultivate virtue within - we become familiar with thinking in a positive way towards the people around us, trying to focus on their good qualities as opposed to their faults. This mind training can be cultivated within the quiet of meditation and then integrated into our life. More about this technique can be discovered in the book “Loving Kindness”.
In the film “Jean De Fleurette” a family arrive at a village in preparation for a new start in their life - they acquire some fertile land, rich for growing abundant harvests throughout the year. However the tragedy was they were unable to find a source of water to feed the land. They had to travel miles and miles each day for a small amount of water. Eventually this toll led to the break up of the family and the death of the father (due to his struggle). The neighbors throughout the ordeal were fully aware of the source of the water but kept it secret. If the family had known of the source they would have been able to have a rich and abundant life - alas this was not to be the case.
If we are aware of the direct source of happiness then similarly we find a spring within the centre of our life that gives rise to a continuous flow of well being and contentment. All that is required is a simple understanding of the mechanics of our mind and how to cultivate virtue within meditation. We don’t need to sign any special contract or wear any notable outfit.
Virtue is the source of happiness which we can cultivate within our mind and then integrate into our life. Meditation practice assists and nourishes this development.
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