The Enemy of Happiness | A Monk's Perspective

The Enemy of Happiness | A Monk's Perspective

Many people are searching for happiness, but the real question is: how do we get there? In this video, I discuss how we can reach this goal by focusing on two different factors: increase gratitude and decrease greed. These two things must go in tandem for sustainable happiness to arise. I hope this formula will give you simple yet practical steps to achieving more happiness in your life. Enjoy! #monks #buddhism #mentalhealth

Timestamp

0:00 Intro
0:41 Happiness
5:02 What’s keeping you from happiness?
6:16 How to reduce greed?
10:10 Recap

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Thanks for watching.

[nickkeomahavong]

How's your journey to happiness coming along?

Timestamp

0:00 Intro
0:41 Happiness
5:02 What’s keeping you from happiness?
6:16 How to reduce greed?
10:10 Recap

[Jencredible]

Living in the future causes anxiety and living in the past causes depression. We must live in the present.

[salrc]

1. Present moment, 2. gratitude, 3.less greed by giving, 4. meditation practice.

[rollandjoeseph]

I found more happiness when I decided to give up alcohol. I remember prior to, being in a dark place, not feeling anything and asking "what's the point in everything " . I've since grown more aware mentally, physically and have reconnected with the simple things in my life that make me happy. Thank you Ven. Nick for always taking the time to remind us all what's important in this life and how to reach for it!

[anamisidro]

Greed takes us to consumption, to compare to others, to envying and finally to loose our peace of mind. Thank you 🙏

[youmeandthetree]

Early this morning (when I couldn’t sleep - again) I prayed for guidance. After forcing thoughts, forcing a new job search where nothing felt authentic, forcing a next step without direction — a little voice told me I’d already started it. To keep going. On Jan. 3rd, I started a daily journal (each entry closes with what I’m grateful for). It was meant to get me “unstuck” - with intention to do something different each day. Even if it’s simply reading a book instead of working late. Slow changes that I hope will turn to bigger revelations - and ultimately a framework to help others. I’m a writer. And currently my skill is used for, well, nothing that includes giving. And it’s hurting me and those around me. I’m done with that. After my “little voice” moment, I settled in for another crazy Monday at work. Then I randomly got a notice for this video. I’d never received one for your channel before. So, I stopped - and listened. Pure validation for the prayer I prayed early this morning. Thank you so much for what you do. Today, I am grateful for you ❤

[mindunwind]

I would just like to take a moment to say how kindhearted and wonderful everyone in the comments section is. Thank you all for the kind words and reassurance that everything will be okay.
I am on the autism spectrum, and often mask how I feel, so listening to music like this really helps me process these feelings, and oftentimes cry because of it. Like I’m free to be myself and not try to conform for others’ comfort. In a world with so many harsh sounds, something about music that is so gentle to the ear just makes me cry.

[joejones]

Although I am a born-again christian, I deeply respect Buddhist teaching, especially Buddhist psychology. This is excellent teaching, whatever your religion. Thank you very much. I will watch this video again, and I will subscribe. Thank you.

[kimcleveland]

"Imagine waking up tomorrow with only what you were grateful for yesterday."

I just heard this quote...I don't remember where...but it's really thought provoking.

[yolii]

I have hit another crisis in my life and it (unfortunately) came in a time when I’m also not keeping up with daily meditation. Your youtube channel is so helpful when I’m not able to go to the temple, Venerable Nick. After watching this (for the 3rd time lol), I feel ready to get back on track 🙏🏼 thank you for your wisdom

[fusionjunkie]

Anxiety is fear of the future, depression is fear of the past. Happiness is living in the moment and in gratitude.

[nancyb.]

Nick, I came here because I felt fearful, and I received so much ‘more’ - thank you for your giving us all these treasures that we can return to- a little bit of growth, a little bit of backslide, but then: an actual antidote recognized! I will need this talk through out my life Nick!!❤️

[angelhopeshaktiathena]

The Smile you give brother, is so innocent, nirmal, and pure, it touches heart, it feels like listening to my sibling in the crop-field, I always hoped for a big brother, which I dont have, but your laugh touches my heart, Thanks, Sadhu Sadhu 🙏🤗🎇⛺💧

[jerrylam]

As a person who was formally trained in medicinal science, I always keep an open mind when it comes to the subject of religion and spirituality.

I think everyone’s faith or belief is very personal, very sacred and should be respected. And I have never thought my faith is better than others’. No religion is really superior to the others because there is a common thread that runs across all religions when it comes to moral principles and obligations.

Regardless of which faith or creed we choose, the pursuit of happiness is a common human goal. I believe the practice of “gratitude”, “giving” and “meditation” as shown in this video makes perfect sense psychologically and is pragmatic for ALL of us.

Thank you very much Ven. Nick for doing your part of “GIVING” 🙏🙏🙏

[bennyyastremski]

Thank you for showing me how close I am coming to the inlightmet of love and peace. I am not there yet because I want to dig deeper into my soul.

[kevinliu]

I am at the age of 68 and am happy all my life! To live happily ever after is not to pursuit it, that’s it, Dude!

[natureswhisper]

Gratitude is key! Without it, happiness will always be far ahead of you.

[shamdhala]

Dear friend, thanks again, your direction brings “soul shelters”, DEEP BOW.

[lavoisier]

Thank you for this talk 🙏🙏🙏A simple way to develop gratitude that I have learnt years ago which I found to be very effective. Prepare your meal then look at your plate- Think of the people who have grown the food, picked it, cleaned it, packaged it, put it on the shelf, sold it to you. This opens your heart to all these people whatever the colour of their skin, their nationalities, their education level .... You feel gratitude and this also prime you for being generous as you feel a sense of community with all living beings. Another bonus is that it develop humility and a sense of responsibility as you realise that you are dependent of these people and that they are also dependent on you.

[jeffreyjackson]

What do I have at this moment? Peace, quiet, order, and goodness. When I step back and look clearly, this is what I see. I must practice more diligently.