Question: How can we lead satisfying lives?
Answer: There are three main considerations or steps, as follow…
[1] There must be work (or retirement),
but it is not enough;
as there must be purposefulness too.
There should be (learning or) working that is purposeful. If there is retiring, it should be equally purposeful too, for more important and focused (learning or) ‘working.’ By purposeful, this means there must be a clear goal in mind, to strive towards it. (For Buddhists, the ultimate goal is Buddhahood, which is spiritual perfection.)
[2] There must be purposefulness,
but it is not enough;
as there must be meaningfulness too.
There should be doing (or practising) that which is meaningful. By meaningful, this means there must be clear significance in mind, to accomplish it. (For Buddhists, Buddhahood is for True Happiness. This is the attainment of perfect wisdom.)
[3] There must be meaningfulness,
but it is not enough;
as there must be transcendentalness too.
There must be going beyond self which is transcendental. By transcendental, this means there must be clear forgoing of ego, to actualise it. (For Buddhists, Buddhahood is also for guiding all other beings to the same True Happiness. This is the expression of perfect compassion.)
