As best we can, we set out to fulfill this aspiration - to be happy. We struggle to attain the pleasant and avoid the unpleasant. Rarely do we examine what makes the pleasant 'pleasant' or what makes the unpleasant 'unpleasant'. This is like owning a car and not knowing how it works. Consider the state of the car and your experience with it to be your degree of mindfulness as it is experienced in the three realms. People who live solely in the micro-want realm don't think much about their cars. They are busy going to work, getting groceries, going out on a date, keeping out of the weather, just generally concerning themselves with getting where they are going. They put gas in the car when they have to and think about the oil when the light comes on. It is only when they have a break- down that their attention turns to the macro-want realm; and by then, of course, it's too late.

There are some who, even after such a breakdown, continue to treat their vehicles as before. People who live from the macro-want realm keep their car maintained. They make sure it gets regular service, check the gas, oil, battery and tires. They keep it clean and protect it from vandals and the weather. These people have far less trouble, get a smoother and more comfortable ride and feel much more confident and assured in their travels. They have much less trouble than their micro-realm neighbours and, as a result, seem to have happier and more trouble-free lives. However, if a breakdown does occur, and it will, they can't fix the car themselves. They must call their neighbours from the supra-want realm.

The mechanics, the supra-want realm people, do all the same things with their car the micro-realm people do. They look after it as do their macro-realm neighbours. But these people know how to fix their vehicle. They have studied, practiced and learned from others how to repair their car. They have crawled underneath, getting their hands and clothes dirty in the process. They have tried this and that, adjusted and adapted. They have learned what works and what doesn't, who can help and who can't. If they have received bad instructions, they learn and carry on. They are grateful to those that have tried to help, and they transcend lesser teachers. They remain open to new information but won't allow ignorance to guide their actions. They are in a position to instruct others.

When the micro-realm people have a breakdown, they are helpless. They can rant and rave, cajole or plead. They can act confused or indifferent, none of which changes their situation at all. They are forced to look for help while being at the mercy of circumstance, and they don't know whether the helper they find is honest, has integrity or knows what to do and can do it right.

Next...