In my view, the acquisition of things does not bring true joy. A joyful life, again as I see it, is lived through compassion; compassion for oneself, and compassion for all beings. Appreciation of the work of artisans, such as the craftspeople at Alembic, is a wonderful experience, as is the appreciation of a beautiful sunset. Playing and sharing music on an Alembic is also a wonderful experience. It seems reasonable to me that one would want to acquire and play an Alembic. It seems reasonable to think that one's ability to communicate musically will be enhanced with the acquisition of an Alembic. It seems reasonable to me that the karma associated with an Alembic, through the family, the history, the craftspeople, would be a consideration in choosing an Alembic. However, if one is not in a position to acquire an Alembic, or any other thing, one's ability to lead a compassionate, joyful life is not diminished.
To the degree that we are attached to outcomes, to the degree that we have attachments, aversions and even indifferences, we will lead lives of suffering; and we will cause suffering for others.
To the degree that we can live our daily lives free of attachments, aversions and indifferences, we can live in equanimity and be of benefit to others.
The acquisition of things, the fulfillment of desires, can bring a brief, momentary happiness; a momentary respite from the daily tribulations that one may be suffering. But it is only a fleeting happiness; it's like taking a week long vacation from one's job, and then returning on Monday morning to find that you're just as tired of the daily grind as you were before you left for vacation. It's like going to your favorite restaurant and enjoying a nice meal, and then getting really pissed off in traffic on the way back home. The momentary happiness isn't deep and abiding. The acquisition of things and the fulfillment of desires are not skillful tools for living a joyful life.
We are on this planet for a very brief period of time. We have a limited amount of time to find, and to learn to use, tools that will enable us to live compassionate lives, to share some measure of joy and peace with the other people with whom we are sharing this planet at this very moment.
Each of us can only be where we are right now. And that's ok. Karma brought us to this point. And we move forward from here. All of our experiences in life are part of who we are right now. To fully accept with an open heart who we are right now, to fully love ourselves unreservedly, allows us to be fully accepting and loving of our fellow human beings.
That we have not acquired certain things that we desire for ourselves is not an impediment to being compassionate toward ourselves and others, to living a joyful life.
But that's just my view, based on my experiences and observations. Others will have different views.
