Discomfort and feelings of unhappiness grow from youth and if we do not overcome this attitude, then these feelings of suspicion and anger will only lead to more pain and uncertainty for ourselves and others. Therefore, we have to find the reasons why we are unhappy and completely remove the cause of these feelings from ourselves, or else we will only find our lives more miserable.

It is important to know that in order to receive support and help from others we have to create conducive relationships. Without these conditions, we can hope and plan, but nothing will happen. For instance, the sky never plans to rain on one area and not to rain on other places — it all depends on conditions. Similarly, in life, we have to connect and engage with others. Otherwise, when we are in pain and need help we will think that there is no one who cares for us. It is also similar in the spiritual domain. If we wish to connect with a divine being, devotion is required. There is a saying in Buddhism, “Devotion is like a ring and the blessing is like a hook, and both these elements are necessary.” Therefore, we have to build this relationship starting now for our own benefit.

The moment we are born we are searching for happiness. Indeed, the purpose of life is to be happy and share this profound happiness with others. This type of happiness is natural and free. In order to embrace this true happiness we need not... look anywhere else — we only have to look within. If there is a so-called true love, then this love does not exist somewhere other than deep within each person’s heart. If I had to say what the role of love is, then I would say love’s only reason for being is to be shared. If we do not share love with others, then what we are nurturing is ego and selfishness. Wherever there is love, there is life and purpose, for love is both beautiful and lively. Without sharing, love is meaningless and without purpose. Only jealousy and selfishness hide love from us. It is all up to us. If we share our love with others then love will be with us.

-- Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche