Since there is a tradition of saying something before the actual meditation teachings begin, I thought I would give a preliminary talk before we actually begin meditation. That desire is the desire for happiness. In their pursuit of happiness different people follow different faiths. In spite of the differences between faiths the aim of each is to show its followers the way to happiness. That is the same in all.
Most people wonder what they can do to experience lasting success and happiness.
They want to know how to stop the success and happiness they experience, from turning into dissatisfaction and suffering . . . Similarly, the rules and laws of a land are formulated in order to secure the welfare of its citizens. However it re-mains to be seen whether everything that is aimed at providing happiness for people and creatures is successful. It remains to be seen whether they achieve their goal. Likewise, at an individual level, different people do different things, employ different means, to achieve personal happiness and satisfaction.