ЁЯМ╖Ageing ЁЯМ╖
Goenkaji was asked about ageing.
He said that old age is misery but that old age in itself does not make one unhappy. If there is wisdom coupled with the wealth of life experience, old age becomes a golden period where one can look at things with serenity and understanding. Such old age is a source of joy for others too.
Goenkaji said, "I am aging happily. There is decay every moment, birth and death every moment. But I remember how miserable I was when I was thirty. Now almost fifty years later, I find myself a lot happier and healthier. Old age suits me well. I have more wisdom and I have so much happiness. I travel around the world to distribute happiness. I am meeting old students who are serious practitioners of Vipassana and I also meet people who have never heard the word Vipassana."
He added, "The more happiness I distribute, the happier I get!"
Material possessions are ephemeral.
Therefore, happiness resulting from material pleasures is fragile. However, no one can rob the happiness that comes from wisdom.
http://www.vridhamma.org/en2002-11
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ЁЯМ╖Definition of successЁЯМ╖
Goenkaji said, "Before Vipassana, I thought that the meaning of success was being one inch taller than others but after Vipassana I discovered that true success is being happy.
I consider myself successful when I see how much I have come out of misery and also when I serve others and see so much change in them."
ЁЯМ╖ He said that there was also a big difference in the way he gave donations.
Before Vipassana, it was with the intention of getting name and fame.
After Vipassana, he started giving donations out of compassion, to help others. He also understood that a donation given out of selfless love and compassion is more effective.
http://www.vridhamma.org/en2002-11
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