By: Jennifer Hogan
The art of happiness is an idea that His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches around the world. He emphasizes that one must have good inner values to achieve happiness. “We pay too much concern to material things and neglect our inner resources,” said the Dalai Lama.
Having compassion for others and being peaceful are vital for happiness. He said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” His main point is that compassion and happiness go hand in hand; if one is caring, he or she will be happy.
Happiness does not simply happen. The Dalai Lama said, “Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” By practicing compassion and showing love, one can achieve happiness.
Material things do not help a person become truly happy; the way to become truly happy is to focus on inner values, like inner peace, compassion, and being true to oneself.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama will speak on Oct. 18 and 19 at Western Connecticut State University, and the public is invited to a free showing (video simulcast) in the Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St. To help promote this opportunity, WCSU students in the Writing, Linguistics and Creative Process Department's Advertising, Copywriting and Promotions class created a blog and a Twitter page.
