Will Not Sleepwalk...

when it comes to finding my happiness. I keep thinking that these the material possessions bring me happiness. I do enjoy my comforts that I have surrounded myself with. But when it comes to it, if I was to lose all things tomorrow, would I be any less happy? I would have to say no. In all actuality I would probably be happier. The Seventh Dalai Lama said:

"One may cherish property and wealth

Gained by cunning means, 

But one day, all one's possessions

Will fall to other's hands. 

Now, while you have them, 

Use them to benefit the world." 

I believe what he is was teaching was for one to use their wealth and possessions to the benefit of society. We all know the teachings that tell us that whatever we collected in this world, we can't take it with us once we die. 

We came into this world without anything and we leave this world without anything....with one exception. Those memories and the knowledge that we have collected over our life. 

So this is my lesson that I am trying to remind myself each day. At any time, all this can be gone...but the one things that cannot be taken away, is my knowledge and mind. I need to remember to focus on increasing my knowledge and learning as much as I can. I think my true happiness is going to come from simplifying my life and the way I live. As long as I have a roof over my head, and meal to give me the nutrition I need for that day, and my health, what more do I need? 

I wonder if entering the teaching of Buddhism is what I should pursue? I want to learn how to be truly compassionate, unselfish, and peaceful. These are questions that I need to answer over the next few days, weeks, and months.