Tibetan Panel

The panel on Tibetan happiness is the last session at the conference. Siriporn Pakdeepasuk, a lecturer of Thai from Chulalongkorn University led the discussion on happiness behind the lenses, pure happiness and happiness from Tibetan perspective. She asked questions how we could apply Tibetan philosophy of happiness to Thai society and whether following one's own ambition could lead to suffering.

An admirer of Tibetan culture, Korkhet Chandralertluk from Khom Chad Luk, one of the leading Thai newspapers said his work was like a pillar. It's important but not generally seen or thought about. He chose to follow his ambition and goals despite the fact that the process leading to them could create suffering.

Akanit Manosyawong filmed the documentary "Reality on the Top of the World" shown on Thai TV earlier this month as a special feature of Ruang Cing Phan Cor or "Reality behind the Lenses". He agreed with Korkhet's comment. He added that happiness to him arose from the feeling of satisfaction when his work was appreciated, even though it could cause an unbearable amount of suffering, as when he went to Tibet this time and became very sick of the altitude.

Prajwan Ketawan or Jick, a free lance marketing researcher left her full time job in advertising to devote herself to the cause of Tibetan children. She said thanks to Tibet, she now looks at the world from a new and important perspective. She said Tibet taught her to appreciate simple things in life, which helps her to have better relations with people surrounding her. She feels indebted to them for making her realize the meaning of true happiness.

I'm one of the four speakers at the panel. What I learned most from the Tibetans is how to maintain happiness in each single moment. I emphasize on the understanding of our own mind. Happiness and cheerfulness can happen, even though we undertake a work of suffering or pain, as when I went on a 18-day prostration pilgrimage from Nethang to Samye this past May. Happiness is in the process, not only at the end. It is in every step of our work, no matter whether we realize our goal or not.