05/07/2025
'We can experience both joy and happiness, and Buddhist teachings do make a
distinction between the two. In joy, there is still some element of excitement.
Think of a person walking in the desert who has run out of drinking water. If
suddenly that person sees that there is an oasis ahead—trees with beautiful shade
and a lake of fresh water—he will feel joy. When he arrives at the lake and
actually cups the water and drinks, this is happiness. You can experience both.
The method here is simple. Breathing in, bring your mind home to your body.
Establish yourself in the here and the now and recognize what is around you.
Then joy and happiness arise easily, from your recognition of all the positive
elements available right now.'-Thitch nath hahn
