In lieu of Exam 3, Eastern Happiness in a Western World

This short essay will attempt to find a place or this notion of 'eastern happiness' in today's western American society. Especially here recently with the likes of Donald Trump in headlines making blatantly racist and ethnocentric statements regarding not only Muslims, but Latin Americans as well, I began diving back into my pocket sized "Teachings of Buddha" book that I received from an influential friend some 5 years ago. The perfect array of words expressing what I feel comes straight from the Metta Sutta where it expresses, "May all beings be happy. May they live in safety and joy. All living beings, whether weak or strong, tall, stout, average or short, seen or unseen, near or distant, born or to be born, may they all be happy. Let no one  deceive another or despise any being in any state, let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another. As a mother watches over her child, willing to risk her own life to protect her only child, so with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings, suffusing the whole world with unobstructed loving kindness." This passage really sticks out as perfect for this time in America and this time in my collegiate experience, being in this happiness course. It speaks loudly to me, as I don't hesitate twice before thinking that it is morally and logically obvious to treat every human the same and to never generalize or patronize. There's no way I can sit here and say that I am not guilty of some hatred toward certain people sometimes, or that I do not like things people say, but I could never bring myself to think that I am better than another human being, or that my way of thought is the only true and correct way of thought. I may disagree with certain things that are said, but I do not hold myself higher than any other human being, and I think that we all deserve a certain happiness, especially one that doesn't have to be stripped away and derailed because of arrogant statements made by an arrogant, and seemingly clueless, presidential candidate. To hinder someone else's happiness is to show that you yourself are not happy. Just my closing thoughts to a beautiful semester of happiness thinking and teaching. Thanks Prof. Oliver!