Episode 227 - Always Rely on a Happy Mind Alone

Episode 227 - Always Rely on a Happy Mind Alone

Author: JoAnn Fox: Buddhist Teacher April 7, 2026 Duration: 39:44

Always rely on a happy mind alone. This Buddhist slogan for training the mind isn't about "positive thinking" or just being happy. A "happy mind" refers to a mind that is peaceful and free from delusions, like like anger, jealousy, pride or attachment. 

 

When a delusion like anger is operating in the mind, we no longer see clearly. A delusion is like a warped mirror: everything we see in this mirror is distorted. For example, when we're hurt we might get angry at someone we love. Anger then makes us see that person as the cause of our pain, a threat, so that we speak and act in regrettable ways. 

 

'Always rely on a happy mind alone' reminds us that when our mind isn't peaceful, it can't be trusted. The thoughts arising can't be trusted. Perhaps we need a timeout, a break, or a nap!

 

"When another person makes you suffer, 

it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. 

He does not need punishment; he needs help. 

That's the message he is sending." 

– Thich Nhat Hanh

 

"Always rely on a happy mind alone."--Geshe Chekawa

To learn more about the new Wednesday evening drop-in classes on Zoom with JoAnn Fox called 'Being Peace,' visit https://buddhismforeveryone.com/meditation-classes-for-peace

Find us at the links below: 

Our Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/BuddhismForEveryone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Private Facebook Group:: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Website: Buddhismforeveryone.com

Instagram: @buddhism4everyone

X: @Joannfox77

TikTok: @buddhism4everyone

YouTube: @Buddhism4Everyone

To learn about Life Coaching with JoAnn Fox visit www.BuddhismforEveryone.com or email JoAnn Fox at joann@buddhismforeveryone.com


You'll find Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox to be a conversation that feels both timeless and immediately useful. JoAnn Fox, a Buddhist teacher with over two decades of experience, guides these discussions with a genuine warmth and a welcome touch of humor, making profound ideas feel accessible. This isn't about abstract philosophy; it's about the tangible ways these ancient practices can reshape our modern days. Each episode, released every other week, delves into practical applications. You might explore how to cultivate patience during a frustrating commute, find a deeper sense of contentment amidst daily routines, or develop the compassionate resilience the world needs. The podcast serves as a gentle, consistent reminder that spiritual growth isn't separate from ordinary life-it's woven right into it. JoAnn's approach demystifies meditation and mindfulness, framing them as tools for anyone seeking more peace or clarity. Whether you're completely new to these concepts or looking to deepen an existing practice, the conversations meet you where you are, offering insights that encourage reflection and, most importantly, action in your own life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 230

Buddhism for Everyone with JoAnn Fox
Podcast Episodes
Episode 166 - Restraint [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
The practice of restraint is a crucial part of the Buddhist path to enlightenment. It involves abstaining from harmful thoughts, speech, and actions that lead to suffering for oneself and others. In this episode, we look…
Episode 165 - The Jewel of Spiritual Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:35
Wealth destroys those who lack in wisdom, But not those who seek the beyond. Craving wealth, those lacking wisdom Destroy themselves As well as others. (355) Weeds are the ruin of fields; Passion is the ruin of people. S…
Episode 164 - Taking Refuge in Dharma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:27
Taking refuge in the Dharma means we turn to the spiritual teaching of Buddha to help us solve our problems to alleviate pain. It means we commit to working on ourselves. Having taken refuge in the Dharma, reality itself…
Episode 163 - Refuge in Buddha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:02
At the start of this three part series on Refuge, this episode explores what it means to take refuge in Buddha. The most simple way to take refuge in Buddha means relying on Buddha as a teacher. This requires studying an…
Episode 162 - Overcoming Fear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:20
Fearlessness is much talked about in Buddhism, particularly the idea of becoming fearless. In this episode we look at that which causes us fear, antidotes to fear, and tapping into our own bravery. It's important to begi…
Episode 161: Manifesting Dreams and Goals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:43
Sometimes we find it hard to reach goals or put effort into things we desperately want to improve. Why is this—when the wish is there? Attachment to what is meaningless or nonvirtuous might be the obstacle when the wish…
Episode 160 - Attachment To What Is Non-virtuous [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:50
Buddha said, "with effort, we have all attainments." We can achieve any goal, no matter how lofty, with enough continued effort, even becoming a bodhisattva and attaining enlightenment. So why do such noble goals seem so…
Episode 159 - Let Go Of The Past Present and Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:06
One way of practicing non-attachment can be expressed with the popular phrase, "Let go." In verse 348 of the Dhammwpada, Buddha says, " Let go of the past, let go of the future, let go of the present." But what does it m…
Episode 157: Constant Craving Versus Letting Go [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:35
Buddha taught that no chains are as powerful as attachment, and nothing bonds us to suffering like our attachment. In the First Noble Truth, Buddha didn't just say, "Life is pervaded by suffering," but defined suffering:…
Episode 156 = Practicing Non-attachment with Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:12
We must work on our minds to overcome the habits of attachment--which always bring suffering--whether one is a monk or a family man. The context of a monastery versus a home with young children will make the practice dif…