True Happiness

July 6

Genuine happiness, security, and love aren't products of anything.
And if they are dreams and ideas they are not genuine.
They come uninvited when the mind is still and open, not engaged in the
conflicting movements of self-centeredness. They arise unexpectedly when the is not in want or fear and therefore not in pursuit of anything.

TONI PACKER

Raised in America, a country that has more consumer products than anywhere in the world, it is radical to suggest that our dreams and happiness don't come from products. Happiness isn't our acquisition. Toni Packer's words fly in the face of everything we've been taught about success. Where does happiness come from? Happiness is a state of mind.

It is true we need social action programs. We need laws to ensure equality and civil rights. Yet programs and laws alone won't effect the radical transformation our society needs. What is needed is a change of heart. That means every individual exploring the conflicts in her or his own mind. When inner conflict ceases, natural kindness and compassion will spontaneously be expressed. This caring will ensure the civil rights of all. This kindness will see that everyone has enough to eat. This care taking will be demonstrated by people choosing to live in an ecologically sound way.