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Editorial

Finding Happiness in

Difficult Times

Now that Covid-19 is in retreat and the world, As Buddhists, whenever we can assist others, we do so
including Malaysia, is entering the endemic stage, with kindness, compassion, and joy. But when it is not
there is much hope that the virus will eventually fade possible to help others despite our good intentions,
in severity and we can all have our regular, everyday then we cultivate a mind of equanimity. Buddhism
life again. offers practical ways to build positive emotions and
an inner sense of freedom among the vicissitudes of
However, over the past two years, the COVID-19 life. In fact, neuroscience has confirmed that we can
pandemic has caused immense suffering to millions of learn to steady our attention, quiet our minds, and
people in the world. As of 27 April 2022, the pandemic open our hearts in a systematic way. Simple practices
had killed over 6.22 million people world-wide, of mindfulness, gratitude, forgiveness, joy, and
including over 35,500 Malaysians, and has presented compassion positively affect our health and well-being,
an unprecedented challenge to public health, food and beneficially affect all those that we touch.
systems, and how we work. Nearly half of the world’s
3.3 billion global workforce are at risk of losing their When we cultivate positive emotions, we can
livelihoods. experience inner happiness. Happiness has many
meanings. There’s happiness when we feel safe and
As if the suffering caused by Covid-19 is not enough, secure in our life, when we feel a sense of belonging
24 million people in Afghanistan today rely on and connection with another human being, and with
humanitarian aid to survive. Over 10 million people in the beautiful world around us. We’re happy if we have
the Sahel region are severely hungry while 7 million a sense of purpose and meaning; we’re happy if we
Ethiopians are being hammered by the worst drought can learn to tend our own heart and mind in a way
in decades. And more than 10 million people have that bring inner well-being, peace, and joy amidst the
become refugees after fleeing their homes in Ukraine challenges of life. This is the essence of the Buddha’s
because of the war. teaching.

When we’re faced with bad news every day, it is To have a mind that is our greatest friend is something
difficult not to feel discouraged or even depressed. that most of us want. As mentioned in the Therīgāthā,
But falling into despair is not a response that helps a mind that doesn't shake describes a mind that is
anyone. As the Buddha has taught, there is inevitably equanimous, that can experience joy and happiness:
suffering in human existence, and nothing insulates
us from this. But the Buddha also taught that it’s If your mind becomes firm like a rock
possible to cultivate and develop a sense of well-being and no longer shakes
and happiness even amidst the difficulties of life. In a world where everything is shaking
Volunteers or aid workers who assist in refugee camps Your mind will be your greatest friend
or during natural disasters will testify that they can and suffering will not come your way.
only be effective in their work if they are not confused,
fearful, depressed, or unhappy. And there are stories of
volunteers in the poorest refugee camps who witness
refugees with great dignity, who are able to connect
to others, and display kindness, more than those with
great wealth and prosperity.