Where in the world is there a ‘place of joy’ that truly brings happiness?

Every living being in this world strives, at every moment, to be happy. Hence, even in the Buddha’s teachings, happiness is extolled as the supreme wealth. Yet this so-called wealth is not present with everyone, nor at every moment. Likewise, there is no fixed measure or unit by which to quantify it. However, this wealth can be found everywhere in the world. If so, we must come to know the path by which it can be found.

A street dramatist performing at a crossroads may be filled with this supreme happiness more than an Oscar-winning actor. More than Leonardo da Vinci who painted the Mona Lisa, a small child sketching a picture on a post card might leap with joy. Therefore, we should turn our attention to seeing the path by which this supreme wealth is found.

It is planned that, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a ‘place of joy’ that guides the world’s beings to happiness will be established. Within the premises of the world’s first Pali and Sanskrit cultural exchange center namely, in the village of Heiyanthuduwa, this so-called Kundun Happiness Retreat is to be built under the name. Therefore, it is better that we come to understand and explain how, in this way, the hospitality of contentment will belong both to the people of this country and to all beings around the world.

The term ‘Kundun’ refers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Although various surveys and assessments have identified certain individuals as the happiest in the world, in my view the “happiest person in the world” is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He is recognized not only as the spiritual leader for Tibetan Buddhists but for the entire world, and is the only Buddhist monk who is honorifically prefaced as His Holiness.

To me, the smile of a newborn child is the sign of pure, unfeigned joy in this world. I have experienced that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s happiness likewise manifests such pristine genuineness. Therefore, Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Center established upon His Holiness’s noble vision and in that Kundun Happiness Retreat is likely to become one of the most distinctive places in Sri Lanka in future.

At the recent inauguration of this distinguished architectural restoration, the theme of happiness was given clear and purposeful expression from the outset. During the foundation stone ceremony, two cows destined for slaughter were released, affirming compassion in action, and village children were provided with essential school stationery, underscoring a commitment to their education and well-being.

With the blessed presence of His Eminence Ling Rinpoche revered by countless wise and virtuous people worldwide and honored with the highest esteem by leading nations, the foundation stone was laid, and from this Kundun Happiness Retreat, the happiness that will flourish in the near future is certain to extend beyond our island as well, becoming a great support for world peace and interethnic coexistence.

Guided by the forward-looking vision of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the founder and chairman of the Pali and Sanskrit Cultural Exchange Center, Dr. Damenda Porage, together with his colleagues, has undertaken the rare and pioneering task of creating a ‘Universal Happiness Index’, a thoughtfully designed on an innovative updated framework aiming to provide guidance for ‘seekers of happiness’ living on this island and around the world.

Taking to heart the saying ‘Happiness is the supreme wealth’ I feel we have advanced a few steps further. ‘Happiness is the supreme remedy’ is its working definition, which Kundun Happiness Retreat will, in the near future, no doubt affirm and present to the entire world.