Wat Rong Khun, Chiangrai Province, Thailand
When we practice insight meditation, we are not trying to change the way things are. We are observing the way things are. The difference is highly significant. If we are trying to change things, we are ultimately under their control. We will be happy when we can change them the way that we want to and we will be disappointed when we can’t. Since our happiness depends on our ability to bring a particular condition into existence, our continued happiness will always be uncertain because, the fact is, we cannot always get everything that we want. Conversely, when we start trying to observe a condition of the mind rather than trying to control it, we will automatically let go, rise above it and enjoy a measure of satisfaction. If we train the mind to do this in the correct way on a regular basis, long-term happiness will be assured.