“Buddha Nature” leads to Happiness: –

“Buddha Nature” refers to an underlying, basic, and most subtle nature of mind. This state of mind present in all human beings is completely untainted by negative emotions or thoughts. Over the past two or three decades, there have been literally hundreds of scientific studies indicating that aggression is not essentially innate and that violent behavior is influenced by a variety of biological, social, situational and environmental factors. It is scientifically incorrect to say that we have an inherited tendency to make war or act violently. That behavior is not genetically programmed in human nature.

We were not born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, we must develop basic good human qualities – Warmth, Kindness, and Compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful – Happier.

Establishing Empathy: –

One can attempt to increase compassion by trying to empathize with another’s feeling or experience. That empathy is important not only as a means of enhancing compassion, but in dealing with others at any level, if you are having any difficulties, it’s extremely helpful to be able to try to put yourself in the other person’s place and see how you would react to the situation. Even if you have no common experience with the other person or have a very different life style, you can try to do this through imagination. You may need to be slightly creative. This technique involves the capacity to temporarily suspend insisting on your own viewpoint but rather to look from the other person’s perspective, to imagine what would be the situation if you were in his shoes, how you would deal with this. This helps you develop an awareness and respect for another’s feelings, which is an important factor in reducing conflicts and problems with other people.

There are some other factors that can help one deal with others more skillfully. First, it is helpful to understand and appreciate the background of the people you are dealing with. Second, be more open-minded and honest. These are useful qualities when dealing with others.

Compassion leads to Happiness:

Compassion can be roughly defined in terms of state of mind that is non-violent,non-harming and non-aggressive. It is a mental attitude best on the wish for others to be free of their suffering and is associated with a sense of commitment, responsibility, and respect towards others.

For instance, in marriage there is generally a component of emotional attachment. But if there is a component of genuine compassion as well, based on mutual respect as two human beings, the marriage tends to last a long time. In the case of emotional attachment without compassion, the marriage is unstable and tends to end more quickly. In addition to the beneficial effects on one’s physical health, there is evidence that compassion and caring behavior contribute to good emotional health. Studies have shown that reaching out to help others can induce the feeling of happiness, a calmer mind, and less depression.