"Last year, in the month of July, 68 nations joined Bhutan in cosponsoring the United Nations General Assembly resolution on happiness, which was adopted by consensus by the 193-member United Nations. The idea is, if you think of well-being in terms of Gross Domestic Product, it is very important to reconsider this. You have to create a kind of science called 'science of happiness'. The UN has commissioned a research on happiness. Instead of talking about Gross Domestic Product, you can talk about Gross National Happiness.
Thank you Br. Bao Tich for sharing with us this story:
The Man Who Planted Trees
by Jean Giono
For a human character to reveal truly exceptional qualities, one must have the good fortune to be able to observe its performance over many years. If this performance is devoid of all egoism, if its guiding motive is unparalleled generosity, if it is absolutely certain that there is no thought of recompense and that, in addition, it has left its visible mark upon the earth, then there can be no mistake.
I heard these words of the Buddha one time when the Lord was staying in the Mango Grove in the cool shade of the mango trees along the bank of a river in the land of Magadha.
The dates for the annual Wake Up International retreat in Plum Village are now confirmed! From July 13 to July 21 2012 there will be a joyful and mindful gathering.
