1
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In order to follow Buddhism, I must not cling to happiness or people that give me happiness.

2
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Does this mean that I shouldn't make friends and or stop associating with my friends, as I enjoy being around my friends and it gives me happiness?

3
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Okay, the word happiness, again the ambiguity.

4
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Buddhism says that none of that brings you happiness.

5
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And that's the unfortunate thing, that if these things gave you happiness, true happiness, then you should cling to them and hold on to them.

6
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But because they don't give you happiness, clinging to them is a cause of suffering.

7
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That's what Buddhism says.

8
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Buddhism doesn't say must not, should not.

9
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Buddhism says, if then.

10
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So it's much more powerful.

11
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It's not trying to convince you or coerce you into being one way or another.

12
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It's telling you the truth.

13
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And it's up to you to realize the truth, appreciate it, or deny the truth.

14
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So if you cling to people, the idea that it makes you happy is an illusion.

15
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And as you practice meditation, you'll realize that it's not actually making you happy.

16
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It's actually just giving you some pleasure, which entices you to cling stronger, which eventually leads to repeated

17
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distress and suffering when every time you don't get what you want or every time you're forced to strive for the pleasant states again.

18
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So the enjoying being around your friends, except where it's involved with wholesomeness.

19
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You know, there's the case where you're helping each other, where you're appreciating each other, where you're compassionate and so on, where you're able to support each other.

20
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That is positive.

21
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But the enjoyment, the liking or the attachment to pleasurable states is unwholesome and will lead you to suffering when you have to leave your friends, when you're surrounded by unpleasant people, etc., etc.

22
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It means you're vulnerable.

23
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You're always vulnerable to change and therefore suffering is in your future because of that attachment.