While in the midst of those who are greedy, to dwell free from greed is happiness indeed!
We hold values such as honesty, selfishness and generosity to be honorable. However, it can be hard to live our lives aligned with these values when most of those around us are traveling in a different direction. The Buddha knew it could be hard, but he says that to dwell thus in the source of happiness. If we betray ourselves to heedlessness, stop and feel the consequences. Don’t be be in a hurry to escape. Then imagine how the opposite might feel were we to hold to integrity. Likewise, consider how it feels to focus attention on feelings of gratitude instead of indulging in a sense of luck. Not adding anything to this moment or taking anything from it, we incline towards inner peace and contentment. Establishing ourselves in this awareness, we are less likely to be intimidated by others.
