Although many disturbances are not apparent to us, certain evil thoughts which are deeply rooted in the mind may still remain. At some moment we may be quiet and look nice because there are no disturbances to agitate us, but if some disturbances arise, we soon change our attitude and become violent and ugly. At the same time the sensual pleasure that momentarily appears in the mind we mistakenly regard as happiness. It is in fact not happiness.

Pleasure is merely emotional satisfaction. The fleeting nature of pleasure is such that it disappears at the very next moment. The seeking of pleasure is such that it disappears at the very next moment. The seeking of pleasure must not be confused with the seeking of happiness. Pleasure is elusive, temporary, and can leave a bitter after-taste. Also, it can be costly, yet unsatisfactory. Not so happiness, which does not have to be purchased; it comes from an inner source – the mind, and it is long-lasting.

The pleasure we have at this moment sometimes creates disappointment because of the fleeting nature of the pleasure. At the same time, we cannot gain happiness by keeping mental impurities such as fear, anger, jealously, malice, and ill-will in the mind. When these are not active in the mind, then we regard the brightness that temporarily appears in the mind as happiness.