SENSE OF VALUES
All human beings have a sense of values. They have different ideas of what is good or great or superior. And according to each person’s sense of values, each person will feel inferior, superior or equal. If a person thinks that wealth is superior, then the moment this person meets a wealthier person, he/she begins to feel inferior. If a person thinks that high social position is superior, he/she will feel inferior in the presence of any person who is greater in social position. Likewise, if a person thinks that popularity is the greatest thing; that person begins to feel inferior upon meeting a person who is more popular than himself or herself. If a person thinks that enjoying sensual pleasure is the greatest thing, then that person will feel inferior in the presence of some one who is enjoying more sensual pleasures. This is how people feel inferior or superior. This worldly sense of values was shown by the Buddha to be not only unhealthy but it also brings unhappiness, disappointment, frustration, sorrow, pain, anxieties, and worry.
The Buddha pointed out that happiness is to be sought not outside in wealth, status, popularity or sensual pleasures; but rather, inside in peace of mind. This happiness within is inner peace, calm or tranquility of mind. If one can understand that inner peace is the greatest thing in the world, then one will automatically begin to seek inner peace. When one meets a calm person, one does not feel inferior any more, but one begins to appreciate the person and one is inspired. When we are really convinced that calmness is the greatest thing, we do not need tranquilizers. Tranquilizers are needed only when we are not convinced that calmness is the greatest thing, because then our goal is not calmness. It is the goal, based on our sense of values that determines our calmness.
It is our sense of values therefore that makes us calm or not calm. You have heard the word “Nirvāna” or “Nibbāna” which is regarded as the ultimate goal of the Buddhist. Some think that Nirvāna is some kind of Heaven but that is not what Nirvāna is. Nirvāna simply means the Imperturbable Serenity of mind. (nir is the negative prefix like the English “non,” and vana means shaking). “Nirvāna” is the tranquility of mind that is not shaken by anything, even in the face of death. It is a tranquility of mind that can never be disturbed. This is why it is called the imperturbable serenity of mind.
We become what we value or worship. When we understand and appreciate the value of Nirvana, it becomes our goal in life. This results in a reorientation of our life to reach this goal. Then, we do not need any special effort to attain Nirvana. Our life is automatically reorganized to reach that goal. This reorganization of life is called entering the stream (sotāpanna). Even if we cannot reach the end in this present life, we will reach it within seven lives.