You are, therefore I am

~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~

When we practice the intention of the Buddha, we learn that we suffer because we compare ourselves to others.

When we think we are better than others, it's the superiority complex.

When we think we are worse than others, it's the inferiority complex.

When we say we are equal, that is the equality complex. We argue, and we suffer.

In Buddhism, there is no self, therefore no comparison, so, happiness is possible.

We say: 'you are, therefore I am.' We inter-are. We don't see individuals as alone and happy.

We see all living in harmony and considering the happiness of others' as theirs, and others' suffering as theirs.

Harmony is the base of peace and happiness and that harmony is the base of interbeing. In the practice of mindfulness, we try to remove the complexes of superiority, inferiority and equality.

The complex of equality says: 'I claim the right to be as good as you.' Where there is self, there is a comparison. In interbeing, there is no comparison.