Stop Seeking Happiness Like a Mangy Dog
Nibbana is the supreme happiness. There is no other happiness that can compare to peace. And what is called peace is Nibbana. Nibbana is the ultimate peace. If we want to have a happy life, we shouldn’t act like a mangy dog. A mangy dog feels itchy here, so it runs to another place. Then it starts itching again, so it runs again. Our constant wandering in search of happiness from the external world is just like the behavior of a mangy dog. But we shouldn’t criticize them, because people in the world haven’t had the opportunity to listen to the Dhamma, to practice the Dhamma, or to experience the Dhamma. They still need to run around because they think it’s the best thing for them. We shouldn’t judge them, because we were once like that too. As we accumulate merit, listen to the Dhamma, practice the Dhamma, and understand the Dhamma, our lives will gradually lead to true peace.