Today, we visited the Buddha Birthday Festival at the Chung Tian Temple in Priestdale, Brisbane. The temple itself was incredible, much like every Buddhist Temple I have ever been to. The sculptures depicting various forms of the Buddha, the pristine gardens, the enchanting sounds of gongs and bells, the rhythmic beat of the drum as performers showcased their skills and art, the aroma of incense, the tranquillity of meditation—it was a wonderful experience, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Buddha and Buddhism have always fascinated me. The outlook on life, culture, and the world is perhaps the closest to my beliefs in terms of religion. The capacity to regulate or moderate emotions by maintaining a baseline, the emphasis on being a good person integrated within the world, the understanding of balance and the resulting karma—these concepts are truly intriguing and speak volumes about the pursuit of 'enlightenment,' whatever that enlightenment may truly be.

As I grow older and learn more about people and the world, I find myself increasingly drawn to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Stoicism. The ideologies surrounding becoming the best version of oneself, striving to improve every day, and aiming to contribute positively to society at every opportunity resonate with me deeply.

The Buddha, by all accounts, was seen as possessing everything society values—kingdom, riches, power. Yet, deep within him, he believed this was not the truth, not the way to an ideal world, an ideal life, the path to complete equality, fulfilment, and enlightenment. He relinquished all his past attachments in pursuit of the unknown, in search of what he believed was the path toward enlightenment. He advocated dismantling the attachment to material possessions, turning inward to discover the truth of human fulfilment, as an energy within the world. The Buddha dedicated decades of his life to uncovering a route to enlightenment and consequently, a profound perspective on the quest for happiness.

I believe there's much to learn from the Buddha in my own pursuit of happiness, and undoubtedly, I will continue seeking to learn and assimilate additional lessons in my journey. Some of the fundamental and straightforward lessons are that being kind, respectful, and humble are essential ingredients in one's own search for happiness. I strive to be the best version of myself and attempt to show kindness to everyone I encounter, even when it's challenging. However, I am aware that after any conflict or confrontation, when I lose my composure and respond negatively or angrily, I never walk away feeling good about myself. Fundamentally, being good to others equates to being good for everyone.

The Buddha once said, 'Happiness is the Path.' 'One who acts truthfully is happy in this world and beyond.' 'Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.'

Thanks,

Dean