In today’s world, we generally don’t lack in material things, but we lack peace in our hearts.

We can observe our minds and see that whenever there is excessive desires, uncontrolled anger and foolish ideas, it correlates with the lack of peace.  This is then expressed in the way we interact with others, the course of actions we take, and the lack of fulfilment within.  Thus, peace begins with me, not with others.

When we have peace, our well-being is not conditional upon how people treat us; we ourselves can determine our happiness.

After having a solid base of happiness and joy, we should develop wisdom so that even unpleasant and challenging situations can make us grow and benefit us spiritually.

By living in accordance to Dhamma, we can experience something beyond happiness – the freedom from suffering.  When we have gone beyond suffering and attained to the unparalleled bliss of Nibbāna, it marks the end to all pursuits in life.