Now, when we read the history of the 19th and 20th centuries, we can recognize that during that time people searching for peace and happiness believed it depended on external material things. Therefore, at that time scientists, politicians and civil servants put great effort into developing technological, economical and political facilities. It is quite evident that they did achieve some improvement in these things. However, people of this time did not recognize these external things actually contributed to their mental busy-ness, stress, worry, and fear. So they became a slave to material facilities and their lives became busier. From this busy-ness arose more stress, depression and worry, which contributed to a variety of diseases. Due to these different kinds of diseases, without getting any older many people unexpectedly lost their life at a very young age. From my own experience I have observed this directly. One of our female dharma students has unexpectedly lost many young family members during the past two years from a variety of diseases.

Now in the 21st century knowledgeable scientists and doctors have begun to investigate the true sources of inner peace and happiness. They have found very strong evidence that peace and happiness do not depend on external facilities but on our inner mental state. Training our minds to develop the ability to live in harmony with others is the root of every happiness and peace.

2500 years ago Buddha Shakyamuni gave teachings to show us that living in peace, happiness and harmony does not depend on external things but on our inner mental qualities. He taught that this is beneficial not only for ourselves but for all sentient beings. He showed us that mind training benefits us not only temporarily but also provides us with ultimate lasting happiness. 900 years after Buddha Shakyamuni passed away Asanga, one of the scholars of Nalanda University, explained that every joy, peace and all good qualities depend on our mental state. That philosophy is called Mind Only. Still today we Buddhists practice, believe and rely on that philosophy.

Therefore, nowadays in our developing western society all different ages of people - senior citizens, middle aged and young people - are all very interested in this philosophy and meditation teachings. They are seeking calmness, peace, happiness and harmony and investing all their efforts in trying to follow these practices.

From my perspective these people who are interested in these philosophies are very open-minded and this is a good sign. Why I say it is a good sign is that it means these people are investigating different teachings to improve the welfare of themselves and others for both temporary gain and ultimate benefit.

So those people who have wisdom, knowledge, and are open-minded - you who are reading this newsletter with the thought to benefit others - please investigate and analyze these philosophies as much as you can. If they are helpful to you and you find them to be true, then please try to develop a good heart and be openminded. Meditate and investigate your mind.