It’s not enough to simply have resources; the ambition often extends to surpass others by having more wealth and living more extravagantly. These comparisons foster a competitive atmosphere, sometimes leading to unethical behavior in an attempt to stay ahead. Falling into this cycle of endless buying, comparing, and competing can strip us of our independence, making us prisoners to these dynamics.
在过去的年代，我们虽然物质清贫，但相对单纯，也没有攀比带来的压力。但在今天这个全球化的时代，我们可以看到太多激发欲望的东西，这就很容易带来攀比。
Once we acquire one item, our attention quickly shifts to the next; having met our basic needs, we aspire for luxury and status symbols. Our relentless comparisons propel us into unnecessary toil – not for survival, genuine well-being, or answering the profound questions of life, but for the sake of vanity, denying us the opportunity to ever take a break.
另一方面，发达的资讯和各种电子产品也在侵占我们的时间。尤其是手机和移动互联网，让很多人时时刻刻地粘著其上。在那些庞杂的信息碎片中，我们的时间碎片化了，注意力碎片化了，生命也变得破碎不堪。
Additionally, modern electronic devices and the vast array of information channels consume a significant portion of our time. The allure of smartphones and the internet has become a source of addiction for many. As information becomes more fragmented, so too do our time, our attention spans, and our increasingly frazzled lives.
古人讲的心猿意马，就是心在不断地抓取外境。这样活着，能不累吗？能幸福吗？
The ancient Chinese description of a heart like a capering monkey and a mind like a galloping horse aptly captures this state of constant distraction. How could such a lifestyle not exhaust us? How can it possibly lead to happiness?
版权所有：济群法师
Excerpted from:
Happiness Comes from the Mind
By Master Jiqun
