What Is True Joy?

What is true joy? All too soon, joy declines because of its nature to change, like all conditions of life. True joy is not an idea or belief in a perfect moment but it is knowing the truth of change and how to free ourselves from clinging to ephemeral happiness. Just as we avoid poison ivy when walking in the forest, refrain from touching anger or hatred. To see beyond the duality of likes and dislikes, the beauty of flowers or the fear of danger, wisely investigate and know the nature of all experience. Day by day, living the middle way with pure present moment awareness, we discover the joy of peace in the midst of change.