AboutLaurie McLauglin Expertise I can answer certain questions about the Tibetan Mahayana path as well as many questions about basic Buddhism. If I do not know the answer chances are I can find out very quickly as I live in a Buddhist retreat center.
Experience I have been practicing Buddhism for over seven years and have had teachings from many very qualified Mahayana teachers such as Jon Landaw, Tubten Pende and Venerable Robina Courtin
Publications I have written articles on Buddhism for the on line magazine, Suite 101
Education/Credentials I have a BA in theatre from The Unversity of South Florida
Question QUESTION: What then is Eternal Happiness?
How do I obtain it?
Can you provides with a diagram of Eternal Happiness?
ANSWER: Hello, Henry
Thank You for letting me answer your questions.
From a Mahayana point of view, Eternal Happiness is attained by achieving Buddhahood.
How do you obtain it? There are two answers. The esoteric one: You do not obtain it. I refer you to The Diamond Cutter Sutra for more information on that answer.
The more pedantic answer is that you find a spiritual path that speaks to you and follow it till you reach Eternal Happiness. In the Mahayana practice which I follow, the way to Eternal Happiness is fairly clearly laid out. First study and practice the Four Noble Truths, which starts by recognizing that there is suffering. Then study and practice The Lam Rim Chen Mo, then from there, study and practice the Five Paths which culimnates in the Path of No More Learning. At that point you are a Buddha.
A diagram of Eternal Happiness? From my side, Eternal Happiness does not require a diagram so I am afriad I cannot help you on that one.
If you have any follow up questions or I can answer anything else for you, don't hesitate to ask.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: What happen if one does not attain to Eternal Happiness?
Answer Hello -
Thank you for letting me answer your follow up question.
From what I understand about Buddhism, which is still so little, we believe that eventually all sentient beings will attain Enlightenment. So, even if it takes many eons, one will eventually attain eternal happiness.
If you have any other questions or any follow up questions, don't hesitate to ask.
