Monday, September 19, 2011

The impermanence of excessive pleasure...

Last week, I went to Jakarta for a short working trip.

I stayed in very nice 5-star hotel and was upgraded to a Junior Suite at level 31 overlooking the city. The bathroom has a big bathtub and a shower room with massage jet. The king size bed is huge, comfortable and soft with a 1000 thread count bed linen. The breakfast buffet spread was great, listening to the jazz band at the lounge at night was good way to end the day, and the overall service was good too... the only problem is the 5-star price.

Junior Suite at level 31 overlooking Jakarta City.

I would be lying if I say that I didn't enjoy it. I love it. I got a taste of what it feels like to be rich (I'm not and I'm far from it). However, I also realized the discomfort of excessive pleasure. Having excessive rich food brings dissatisfaction, I felt bloated and lazy. Having such a nice room, I just wanted to enjoy it and ignore my meditation practice and exercise regime. 

I found the "happiness" brought by these pleasures are fleeting and temporary. It is good to enjoy them once a while, but I think excessive of it is unnecessary as it numbs the senses and it makes a person jaded. These are definitely not the "happiness" I am pursuing in life. It is good to have them, but i guess I can do without them most of the time.

1 comment:

Yingel said...

agree, material possessions are fleeting, it is the happiness from the heart that is lasting.