Happiness in the Present Moment

The past has already gone,

and the future has not yet come.

Let us not drown ourselves

in regret for what has passed

or in expectations and worry for the future. The Buddha has said that we can

live peaceful, happy and free

in this present moment.

Let us hear the Buddha’s words

and let go of our sadness and anxiety.

Let us come back to ourselves

and establish ourselves in what is present right now.

Let us learn to recognize

the conditions for happiness

that are present within us

and around us.

Can we hear the birds singing

and the wind in the pines?

Can we see the green mountains, the white clouds, the golden moon? The Pure Land is available

in the present moment.

Every day we can enjoy ourselves in the Buddha Land.

Every mindful breath and step takes us to the Pure Land, revealing all the wonders

of the Dharma body.

I am determined to let go of hurrying, competing,

being busy and disgruntled.

I shall not run after fame, power, riches, and sex

because I know

that this does not lead to true happiness. All they will bring me is

misery and misfortune.

I shall learn to know what is sufficient, to live simply

so that I have time to live deeply

every moment of my daily life,

giving my body and mind a chance to heal, and to have the time to look after and protect

those I have vowed to love.

I shall practice for my mind to grow in love and compassion,

so that I have the ability to help beings anywhere

who are drowning in craving. I ask the Buddhas everywhere

to protect and guide me,

to support me on my path,

so that I can live in peace, joy, and freedom every day, fulfilling the deepest aspiration as your disciple

whom you trust and love.