Inner Happiness, Outer Happiness and Trust

Programme Notes

In Chapter 12 of The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World, the Dalai Lama offers this profound insight:

“Trust can contribute to one’s happiness on an individual level. A feeling of mistrust can lead to a suspicious, fearful attitude, and more mental unrest, whereas a more trusting attitude can contribute to a calmer, happier state of mind. On a wider level, trust can be a factor not only in building a stronger sense of community, and overcoming loneliness and alienation, but it can also be helpful in dealing with many of the problems of society.”

This passage resonates deeply with me, as I reflect on times in my life when I allowed doubt and suspicion to cloud my perception of others. I remember moments when I questioned the intentions, character, and abilities of those around me, and I can now see how draining that mental energy was. It’s exhausting to live with a constant undercurrent of mistrust.

And yet, we place our trust in so many things every day. We board airplanes, entrusting our lives to pilots we’ve never met, and we trust the people around us to perform countless tasks without fear. Why is that? It’s because, deep down, we know that trust is a foundation for peace, not just in the external world, but within ourselves.

In ancient times, survival may have depended on caution, on guarding against potential threats. But as we’ve evolved, so too should our ability to trust. Trust is not a weakness; it is a strength that fosters connection and harmony. I long to live in a world where I can trust others, where I can open my heart to strangers, knowing that they will not bring harm. What if, by offering this trust, I could create a space where others feel safe to do the same? What if we all embraced trust as the guiding force of our interactions?

If every person could approach the world with openness, kindness, and trust, it’s easy to imagine how much brighter and more compassionate our collective existence could be. Trust is the quiet thread that binds us all, and when we nurture it, we weave a fabric of love, unity, and peace.

– Frank Horvat