The Happiness You Don’t Have to Chase – Amitha Khema

July 10, 2026 The Happiness You Don’t Have to Chase – Rev. Amitha Khema Quiet the MindLive in the Present YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Listen to the Audio Version Show Notes What if the happiness we’ve been searching for isn’t something we find, but something we stop chasing? In this conversation, Amitha Khema shares the Buddhist perspective on happiness, mindfulness, and the causes of suffering. We discuss why external achievements can never provide lasting fulfillment, how meditation and mindfulness help us respond rather than react, and what it means to develop a deeper sense of peace regardless of life’s ups and downs. If you’re looking for practical ways to live with more awareness, this conversation offers timeless insights that anyone can apply. In This Episode The difference between external pleasure and inner happiness Why chasing happiness often leaves us feeling empty How mindfulness helps us respond instead of react The Four Noble Truths and what they mean in everyday life Why attachment is at the root of suffering Growing up Buddhist in Sri Lanka and attending a Catholic school The value of questioning your own beliefs Meditation as a practical skill, not an escape Finding contentment regardless of circumstances What it really means to live with awareness Resources & Links The Happiness Collection on Amazon Buddhist Meditation Center Featured Guest Venerable Amitha Khema Guest Amitha Khema is a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and Buddhist chaplain who is dedicated to making the timeless wisdom of Buddhism accessible to modern life. Drawing on the Theravāda tradition, he teaches practical mindfulness, compassion, and meditation to help people cultivate greater peace, resilience, and inner happiness. His work bridges ancient teachings with the challenges of everyday living, showing that lasting fulfillment comes not from changing our circumstances, but from transforming the mind. Ready to Raise Your Baseline of Happiness? Take the free quiz to discover where you are today and get a personalized plan for where to go next. Take the FREE Happiness Quiz