Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4 - 7 2018 | Page 122

staying happy. I think they were expecting something complex, but it really is very simple,” Jinpa chuckled
as he poured more tea into the Abbot’s cup.
“Then what did you tell them?” The old Abbot gave Jinpa an affectionate smile as he sipped his tea. A bell
chimed in the distance and a flock of birds flew in a pattern past the monastery.
***
“People in Bhutan don’t really care about money or things like keeping up with the latest fashion trend and
owning a lot property. These are only materialistic desires and you will never feel satisfied if those things are
all you seek in life. Quite simply, we are happy because we choose to do things that make us happy, and stay
away from things that make us unhappy! Now some of you may be rolling your eyes now, but it’s true.
Simple things like caring for others and caring for the environment make us happy. We don’t ask much and
we count our blessings daily. Why compare ourselves to others and get upset when we can be grateful for
the things we already have? Family, friends, a beautiful planet – these are the things we shouldn’t take for
granted. And sometimes, we just need to slow down and get some rest. What’s in the hurry? Take your eyes
off your phone, look around you and just live in the moment. And don’t fake a smile only for your selfie.
What I’m trying to say is, you can be happy as long as it is what you desire. Just take some time off and
figure out what you want to do in life, and then do it!” Jinpa bowed as the hall was filled with thundering
applause.
A reporter raised her hand and asked, “Do you have any advice for those who have difficulty figuring out
their priorities and their purpose in life?”
Jinpa