Positive Emotional State

Wellbeing and Happiness

Gautama Buddha left his home in search of a more meaningful existence, ultimately achieving enlightenment, peace, and happiness. Aristotle defined eudaimonia as human advancement and prosperity, emphasizing the importance of living a life of virtue. In essence, happiness is rooted in achieving meaningful lifelong developmental goals, making it the key to the best life.

The American Founding Fathers regarded the pursuit of happiness as an essential right, alongside life and liberty. Throughout history, various definitions of happiness have been proposed by scholars, reflecting its multifaceted nature.

Research indicates that 40% of happiness is determined by an individual's health, while 10% is influenced by personal choices and circumstances. This model of happiness suggests that while certain components of happiness may be fixed, achieving self-defined goals can lead to a happier life and improved health.

Two Viewpoints of Happiness

Questions surrounding what constitutes a good life and true happiness often arise: What does it mean to lead a satisfied and fulfilling life? What kind of life do we aspire to live? These definitions can be framed within two ideologies:

1. Hedonic Viewpoint of Happiness

If we were to list the determinants of quality of life, happiness would undoubtedly be at the top. Most people seek to live a happy and contented life, where joyous experiences outnumber negative ones. According to researchers such as Kahneman, Diener, & Schwarz (1999) and Ryan & Deci (2001), defining good health in terms of personal happiness is a common theme in the hedonic approach to well-being. This perspective posits that the main goal of life is to find happiness and well-being, a concept supported by studies in the field of positive psychology (Diener, 1984).

Perceived Well-being is a broad view of happiness, encompassing life satisfaction and an individual’s feelings of well-being. It includes both the presence of positive affect and the absence of negative affect.

Hedonic Treadmill Theory

The Hedonic Treadmill Theory suggests that individuals, regardless of their circumstances, tend to return to a baseline level of happiness after experiencing both good and bad events. For instance, research indicates that poorer individuals, who often face significant hardships due to financial constraints, can sometimes report higher levels of happiness than wealthy individuals. This leads to the belief that money cannot buy happiness.

Surveys reveal that winning the lottery does not guarantee lasting happiness. Studies by Brickman, Coates, & Bullman (1978) demonstrated that there is no significant difference in happiness levels between lottery winners and non-winners. This phenomenon may occur because lottery winners eventually adapt to their newfound wealth, returning to their previous level of happiness. This adjustment process is known as Hedonic Adaptation, a key aspect of the Hedonic Treadmill Theory.

Hedonic Treadmill and Hedonic Adaptation

The concept of adaptation in happiness is akin to sensory adaptation and the adaptation level theory developed by Helson (1964). Sensory adaptation is evident in daily experiences; for instance, when we enter a bright room, our eyes initially struggle but eventually adjust to the light. Similarly, upon entering a space with a strange smell, we notice it at first, but after a few minutes, we no longer perceive it. When we leave and re-enter, the smell is once again apparent. Generally, our senses respond more strongly to changing stimuli than to stable ones.

In the context of hedonic adaptation, Brickman & Campbell (1971) illustrate that just as a person walking on a treadmill does not reach a destination, our emotional experiences can fluctuate, yet our long-term happiness levels remain relatively stable. While a new car, a larger house, or a salary increase may provide temporary joy, the effects tend to diminish over time. This is because individuals quickly adapt to both positive and negative changes, returning to their baseline level of happiness—much like the motion of a treadmill.

Hedonic adaptation serves protective and survival functions in humans (Fredrickson & Loewenstein, 1999). Our sensitivity to change alerts us to factors that can enhance or harm our well-being. Over time, the extinction of emotional reactions diminishes the potential negative impacts of sustained emotional arousal.

2. Viewpoint of Eudaemonic Happiness

Aristotle extensively discussed eudaemonic happiness, emphasizing human upliftment through virtues. This viewpoint asserts that true happiness arises from experiencing and utilizing our strengths. We find joy when we achieve our goals and develop our extraordinary talents. Aristotle defined eudaemonic happiness as self-realization—the expression of our internal and hidden strengths, resulting in a sense of completeness.

Eudaemonic happiness is experienced when we live authentically, guided by our values, virtues, needs, and talents. This perspective aligns closely with Maslow's concept of self-actualization (1968). 

According to Waterman (1993), "Eudaemonic happiness results from experiences of personal expressiveness." This type of fulfillment arises when we engage in activities that reflect our values and virtues, offering insights into ourselves. In these moments, a sense of fulfillment and meaning awakens, invigorating us.

Notable figures like Mahatma, Buddha and Mahavira exemplify the pursuit of ecstatic happiness, achieving peace and lasting joy by renouncing familial ties and material wealth in search of bliss and self-knowledge.

Blissful happiness is associated with activities that foster contentment and joy. It helps individuals forget personal troubles while creating opportunities for personal growth and skill development.



Subjective Well-being as a Synonym for Happiness

Following the utilitarian tradition and hedonic psychology, Diener (1984, 2000, 2002) defines well-being as the subjective evaluation of one's current status in the world. More precisely, well-being encompasses our experience of happiness and gratitude for life's rewards. In this context, Diener (2000) defines subjective well-being as a combination of positive affect (in the absence of negative affect) and life satisfaction. He uses the term subjective well-being interchangeably with happiness.

Subjective well-being emphasizes individuals' accounts of their life experiences, operating under the assumption that subjective reports can provide insights into perceived value. This perspective suggests that it is more effective to focus on individual measures of affect and satisfaction across cultures, facilitating individual analysis (Diener, 2002). These assumptions guide researchers in understanding subjective experiences in relation to an individual's objective situation.

(To explain it in easy terms: Diener believes well-being is how people feel about their lives right now. It means how happy they are right now, or how thankful they are. For Diener,  subjective well-being and happiness are the same thing. Subjective well-being means happiness related to personal feelings. Additionally, he says that subjective well-being is of two parts- feeling positive emotions (like joy) and being satisfied with life (being thankful of where you are).)

Determinants of Subjective Well-being

1. Economic Condition and Subjective Well-being
Diener & Diener (1955) found in their study of life-related data from college students across 31 countries that there is a higher correlation between financial condition and life satisfaction among students from poorer countries compared to those from wealthier nations. Furthermore, individuals in wealthier countries generally report higher levels of happiness than those in poorer countries.
The relationship between income and well-being varies significantly. Once household income exceeds the poverty line, additional increases in income do not necessarily correlate with improvements in well-being. In fact, when data on well-being were categorized by economic status, it was revealed that the relationship between income and well-being was closer in poorer countries than in richer ones, where the correlation was less significant.


2. Marital Status and Subjective Well-being
Data from Western countries indicate that married men and unmarried women tend to be happier than divorced or single individuals (Lee, Secombe, Shehan, 1991). Similarly, Arayle (1987) found a connection between subjective well-being and marital quality across various demographic groups, including educational level, income, and racial background. Not surprisingly, Sternberg & Hojjat (1957) found that higher marital quality is positively related to subjective well-being.


3. Good Mental Health and Social Relationships
Diener & Seligman (2002) conducted a study involving 10% of American college students, revealing a correlation between positive mental health characteristics and strong social relationships among happy young adults. Closer examination showed that better social relationships were indeed associated with happiness; however, this alone does not guarantee happiness.

Happiness + Meaning = Well-being

Psychologists who adopt a hedonic perspective consider well-being and happiness to be synonymous. In contrast, scholars who adhere to Aristotle's perspective of Eudaimonia—which emphasizes virtues leading to human flourishing and bliss—do not equate well-being with happiness. The eudaemonic perspective encompasses both happiness and a sense of purpose.

Well-being = Happiness + Purpose

From this perspective, it is crucial to understand the virtues and their social utility in daily life. According to Waterman (1993), individuals engaged in the authentic pursuit of well-being must align their lives with their true needs and desired goals. Thus, Aristotle's view of happiness—living a eudaimonic life—extends beyond merely experiencing pleasurable things; it encompasses flourishing as the ultimate goal in all our actions.

Both hedonistic and eudaimonic perspectives have significantly shaped the definitions of well-being in the 21st century.

Complete Mental Health: Emotional, Social, and Psychological Well-being

Ryff & Keyes (1995) defined overall mental health as a synthesis of several theories of happiness. They propose that optimal functioning relies on three main pillars:

1. Emotional Well-being: This aspect focuses on subjective well-being, characterized by the presence of positive affect, life satisfaction, and the absence of negative affect.
2. Social Well-being: This includes aspects such as acceptance, actualization, contribution, coherence, and integration within social contexts.
3. Psychological Well-being: This encompasses acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, environmental mastery, autonomy, and positive relationships with others.

Considering the symptoms of mental ill-health, Keys and Lopez (2002) define complete mental health as the combination of high levels of emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being, along with the absence of current mental illness. This view offers a comprehensive model that encompasses all aspects of well-being, analyzing mental health dimensionally and categorically, as symptomatology reflects the extremes of mental health and mental illness.

The complete state model proposed by Keys and Lopez indicates that symptoms of mental health and mental illness are variable, leading to fluctuations in overall well-being. The spectrum ranges from complete mental illness to complete mental health.

In theories of self-well-being, such as that proposed by Diener et al., the emotional model suggests that a person's self-evaluation of their life represents the essence of well-being. This framework includes psychological and social well-being, which are vital for conceptualizing human functioning. An objective analysis that combines emotional well-being (happiness), psychological well-being, and social well-being provides a comprehensive picture of mental health (Keys and Lopez, 2002).

1. Emotional Well-being

Emotional well-being involves perceptions of happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a balance of positive and negative emotions. This three-layered construct includes: Life Satisfaction, positive affect, and absence of negative affect. This model has been supported by numerous studies (Bryant & Veroff, 1982; Lucas, Diener & Suh, 1996; Shamokin, 1998). Combining life satisfaction and affect makes the concept of emotional well-being more meaningful and measurable.

Components of Emotional Well-being

The three primary components of emotional well-being are as follows:

1. Life Satisfaction: An individual's overall assessment of their life.
2. Positive Affect: The experience of pleasant emotions and feelings.
3. Absence of Negative Affect: The lack of unpleasant emotions and feelings.

Together, these components form a comprehensive understanding of emotional well-being, contributing to an individual's overall mental health.

Positive Affect: Experiencing traits such as happiness, joy, and enthusiasm is crucial for emotional well-being. For example, over the past 30 days, how often did you feel cheerful, in a good mood, very happy, peaceful, content, and fulfilled with life? Scoring high on such statements indicates a positive affect.

Negative Affect: Conversely, the absence of positive emotions can signify an unfulfilling and unpleasant life. For instance, consider how often you felt sad, unhappy, restless, anxious, nervous, or hopeless in the past thirty days. High scores on these statements reflect negative feelings.

Life Satisfaction: Life satisfaction encompasses feelings of contentment and peace achieved through mastery and accomplishment, ideally with a small gap between desires and needs. Satisfaction can be evaluated in various domains, such as work, home, neighborhood, health, intimacy, and finances, using the Satisfaction with Life Scale developed by Diener.

Happiness: Happiness is characterized by a general feeling of pleasant satisfaction and joy.

2. Psychological Well-being

Positive psychology has provided insights into various symptoms associated with well-being. Ryff (1989) identified six key components of psychological well-being:

i. Self-Acceptance: This involves accepting all aspects of oneself, including strengths and weaknesses. A person with self-acceptance maintains a positive attitude toward life, embracing who they are.

ii. Personal Growth: Personal growth refers to the ongoing development of one’s sense of self and effectiveness, coupled with an openness to new experiences and challenges. Individuals who are enthusiastic about learning and life exemplify personal growth.

iii. Purpose in Life: Having a purpose in life means possessing goals and beliefs that guide one's actions. This sense of purpose makes life meaningful and fulfilling, as individuals feel engaged in making a positive difference in the world.

iv. Autonomy: Autonomous individuals are self-directed and enjoy pursuing their interests independently. They adhere to their own internal standards and resist negative social pressures, allowing them to lead self-made lives.

v. Environmental Autonomy: It refers to the ability to navigate and manage the complexities of today’s fast-paced life while fostering a sense of self-empowerment. This concept is reflected in a person's capacity to create suitable conditions for themselves. Successful management of various life domains—such as work, finances, family, home, and health—falls under environmental autonomy, contributing to a fulfilling and successful life.

iv. Positive Relationships with Others: Individuals who possess positive relationships with others exhibit empathy and intimacy, often characterized by affectionate, satisfying, and trusting interactions. This dimension of well-being emphasizes the quality of relationships. For example, having supportive friends, a fulfilling marriage, and collaborative colleagues all reflect strong positive relationships.

3. Social Well-being

Crease (1998) suggested that social challenges can be categorized as they manifest in an individual's life, advocating for the measurement of social dimensions of well-being. He identified five key dimensions of social well-being:

i. Social Acceptance: This involves having a positive attitude towards others, acknowledging their presence, and accepting their sometimes complex and confusing behaviors. For example, believing that "people are kind" or that "those who help others do not expect anything in return" indicates high social acceptance.

ii. Social Actualization: This refers to the belief that society is evolving positively and realizing its potential for improvement. Statements like "The world is becoming a better place for everyone" reflect social actualization, while contrasting views indicate a lack thereof.

iii. Social Contribution: This dimension encompasses feelings of having made a meaningful impact on society. Individuals with high social contribution believe their daily activities are valued within their community. For instance, thoughts like "I have something useful to offer the world" indicate a strong sense of social contribution.

iv. Social Coherence: This involves perceiving the social world as logical and predictable. People who view society as understandable may express thoughts like "I know what will happen in society," while those who feel overwhelmed may articulate that "the world is too complicated for me."

v. Social Integration: This dimension reflects a sense of belonging to the community and feeling understood and supported by others. Statements such as "I feel close to other people in my community" indicate strong social integration.
Overall Mental Health

Keyes & Lopez (2002) suggested that the concept of overall mental health encompasses high levels of emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Individuals who exhibit high levels in these areas tend to flourish and succeed, while those with low levels of well-being—despite not having a mental illness—may experience languishing and lethargy.

In summary, this integrated theoretical approach acts as a bridge, reducing the gap between research-based understanding of living a good life and enhancing self-efficacy (Lent, 2004). This model explains our capacities for positive functioning in everyday situations and provides direction for achieving well-being during challenging life circumstances.

Lent’s Treatment Options for Achieving Good Life Outcomes
Lent (2004) highlighted several treatment options for achieving positive life outcomes, including: Setting goals, Enhancing self-efficacy, and Building social support.

Authentic Happiness

According to Martin Seligman (2011), "Happiness is the centerpiece of positive psychology." When our well-being stems from engaging with our strengths and virtues, our lives attain a unique quality that is both genuine and fulfilling.

Emotions are momentary and situation-based; they do not inherently repeat within a personality. Instead, the positive and negative traits of an individual’s personality contribute to feelings of goodness and completeness. Momentary emotions may arise based on the traits a person exhibits. For example, the negative trait of paranoia can lead to fleeting feelings of jealousy, while positive traits can foster a sense of humor and lightheartedness. Thus, authentic happiness requires the extensive application of virtues and strengths, rather than relying solely on external situations.

Three Elements of Certified Happiness
Certified or real happiness can be analyzed into three key elements:

1. Positive Emotion: Human beings typically seek positive emotions such as joy, rapture, ecstasy, friendliness, and comfort. Life revolves around these emotions, contributing to a successful and fulfilling existence.
2. Engagement/Flow: Flow refers to a state where one becomes so absorbed in an activity that self-consciousness fades away. In this state, individuals utilize all their cognitive and emotional resources. According to Seligman, “The focused attention of engagement uses all cognitive and emotional resources to create thoughts and feelings.” In flow, a person taps into their strengths and talents.
3. Meaning: The third element motivating us to live meaningfully is the pursuit of a purposeful life, wherein we serve something beyond ourselves and hold faith in that purpose. Numerous social institutions, such as religious organizations, political parties, and community groups, facilitate positive upliftment through the utilization of one’s energy and human capabilities.

Limitations of Authentic Happiness

A significant shortcoming of the concept of authentic happiness is its omission of success and mastery. Sania Menin (2005) stated, "Authentic happiness has a huge hole in it; it omits success and mastery." According to her, the focus of positive psychology is on well-being rather than mere happiness. She described five elements that constitute well-being, collectively known as PERMA:

P: Positive Emotion – Includes happiness and life satisfaction.
E: Engagement
R: Relationships
M: Meaning & Purpose
A: Accomplishment

Well-being cannot be defined based solely on any one of these elements; rather, all elements together contribute to overall well-being. Authentic happiness is one-dimensional, primarily linked to positive feelings.

Increasing Happiness in Your Life

Despite numerous theories and definitions of happiness, it is challenging to agree on a singular theory. Many scholars, researchers, and psychologists (e.g., Sheldon, LeBoeuf, Meyers) have proposed ways to enhance joy and happiness in life. Here are some suggested measures:

1. Time Management: Effectively manage your time to prioritize well-being.
2. Set Goals: Establish clear and achievable goals in life.
3. Rest: Take breaks and ensure you have adequate rest.
4. Gratitude: Cultivate feelings of gratitude and thankfulness.
5. Balanced Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced lifestyle with a focus on health and well-being.
6. Proper Diet and Comfort: Ensure a nutritious diet and comfortable living conditions.
7. Develop Interests: Pursue interests 
8. Avoid negativity

Tips for a Happy Life 

David Myers (1993) accept that lasting happiness does not stem from success.
Prioritize joyful activities and close relationships.
Cultivate a spiritual focus that transcends the self.
Engage in activities that bring fulfillment.

Unpleasant situations, negative emotions, and suffering are often accompanied by positive and encouraging experiences in life. Maintaining balance amidst these ups and downs can be challenging but is certainly achievable. To attain happiness, it is essential to prioritize gratitude and positive emotions. In addition to genetic and psychological factors, both Western and Eastern philosophies can contribute to a more happy, satisfied, and successful life.

Life Enhancement Strategies

Here are some effective strategies to increase happiness, well-being, and pleasant emotional experiences in your life:

1. Love: Surround yourself with happy people. Their positive influence can boost your confidence, especially during difficult times. Don’t hesitate to express your love for your loved ones; this expression strengthens relationships and creates a positive impact on others.
2. Work: Start meetings with positive comments about your colleagues’ contributions. This practice fosters a positive atmosphere that enhances decision-making and creativity. Additionally, consider bringing home-cooked food to your workplace or classroom; sharing meals can facilitate more effective interactions and bonding among team members.
3. Play: Engage in enjoyable sports or recreational activities. Staying active in fun pursuits can evoke a sense of childlike happiness and joy.
4. Relaxation: Participate in relaxation activities to cultivate a more sensitive mind and body. Relaxation can heighten your awareness of enjoyable moments in daily life, allowing you to appreciate them fully.

Broaden-and-Build Theory

The Broaden-and-Build Theory, proposed by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, is a foundational concept in positive psychology. It explains how positive emotions contribute to overall well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Here's a detailed overview:

Core Principles of the Broaden-and-Build Theory

1. Broaden Effect

Positive emotions broaden an individual's awareness and thought-action repertoire:

• Encourages exploration of new ideas and experiences.
• Promotes creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Expands the ability to see connections and opportunities in the environment.

Examples:

• Joy: Sparks playfulness and exploration.
• Interest: Encourages curiosity and learning.
• Love: Enhances bonding and connection.

2. Build Effect

Over time, the broadening effect helps individuals build enduring resources:

• Cognitive resources: Enhanced knowledge and intellectual skills.
• Social resources: Stronger relationships and social networks.
• Psychological resources: Greater resilience, optimism, and emotional intelligence.
• Physical resources: Better health outcomes and increased energy levels.

3. Upward Spiral of Positive Emotions

The theory suggests that positive emotions can initiate an upward spiral:

• Positive emotions → Broadened awareness → Building resources → Increased positivity → Resilience and thriving.

Evolutionary Perspective

Fredrickson argued that positive emotions have evolutionary benefits:

• Unlike negative emotions (e.g., fear, which triggers immediate survival responses like fight or flight), positive emotions prepare individuals for future survival by promoting growth and adaptability.

Applications of the Theory

• Mental Health: Cultivating positive emotions can alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety.
• Resilience Building: Helps individuals recover from adversity by fostering adaptive coping strategies.
• Workplace Productivity: Encourages creativity and collaboration.
• Social Bonds: Strengthens interpersonal connections and trust.

Criticisms and Limitations

• Overemphasis on positivity: Critics argue that negative emotions are equally important for learning and adaptation.
• Cultural considerations: The benefits of positive emotions may vary across cultures.
• Measurement challenges: Positive emotions are complex and not always easy to quantify.

Illustrative Example

Imagine a person feeling joy after a small success at work. This feeling might lead them to:

• Broaden: Think creatively and come up with new ideas.
• Build: Develop better teamwork skills or propose a new project, enhancing their career in the long term.

Flow State and Autotelic Personality

The concept of "Flow," introduced by psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, describes a mental state of deep focus, immersion, and enjoyment in an activity. An autotelic personality is central to achieving and sustaining this state.

1. Flow State

Characteristics:

• Complete Absorption: Total engagement in the task.
• Clear Goals: Knowing what to do and how to do it.
• Immediate Feedback: Receiving real-time input about performance.
• Balance Between Challenge and Skill: Task is challenging yet achievable based on existing skills.
• Timelessness: Losing track of time while immersed.
• Effortlessness: Actions feel spontaneous and natural.

How Flow Occurs:

1. Task requires focused attention.
2. Skill level matches the challenge (avoiding boredom or anxiety).
3. A sense of control and purpose emerges during the activity.

2. Autotelic Personality

Definition:

An autotelic personality refers to individuals who are intrinsically motivated and tend to find joy and satisfaction in their actions.

• "Auto" = Self, "Telos" = Goal → Self-driven goals.
• Engage in activities not for external rewards but for the sheer pleasure and fulfillment they bring.

Traits of an Autotelic Personality:

• Curiosity: Actively seeks new challenges.
• Persistence: Maintains focus despite difficulties.
• Self-determination: Works independently of external pressures.
• Intrinsic Motivation: Finds meaning and satisfaction in the process, not the outcome.

Connection to Flow:

Autotelic individuals are more likely to enter a flow state because of their natural inclination toward focus, challenge-seeking, and intrinsic enjoyment of activities.

Concept and Mindfulness in Buddhism

Mindfulness is a cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy and practice, deeply integrated into its conceptual framework. In Buddhism, mindfulness (Pali: Sati, Sanskrit: Smṛti) serves as a path to insight, liberation, and enlightenment.

1. Concept of Mindfulness in Buddhism

Definition:

Mindfulness is the practice of maintaining a moment-to-moment awareness of:

• Thoughts
• Emotions
• Bodily sensations
• Surrounding environment

Purpose:

• To observe reality as it is, free from judgment or attachment.
• To break habitual patterns of thought and action.
• To cultivate insight (Vipassana) and concentration (Samadhi).

2. Role of Mindfulness in Buddhist Practice

The Noble Eightfold Path:

Mindfulness is explicitly mentioned as the seventh step:

• Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati): Cultivating awareness in every aspect of life.

It is closely related to other steps, such as Right Effort and Right Concentration, which help sustain mindfulness.

Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna):

Mindfulness is cultivated through attention to:

1. Body (Kāyānupassanā): Observing posture, breathing, and physical sensations.
2. Feelings (Vedanānupassanā): Awareness of pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral feelings.
3. Mind (Cittānupassanā): Observing states like joy, anger, or calmness.
4. Mental Objects (Dhammānupassanā): Awareness of thoughts, intentions, and concepts like impermanence.

3. Mindfulness in the Context of Key Buddhist Teachings

Anicca (Impermanence):

Mindfulness reveals the transient nature of thoughts, emotions, and sensations, helping practitioners let go of attachment.

Dukkha (Suffering):

By observing suffering without judgment, mindfulness allows one to understand its causes and move toward liberation.

Anatta (Non-self):

Mindfulness shows the absence of a fixed self, as the mind and body are seen as processes rather than an entity.

The Middle Way:

Mindfulness supports a balanced approach to life, avoiding extremes of indulgence and asceticism.

4. Modern Interpretations and Practices

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, it applies mindfulness principles to improve mental health and reduce stress.
• Secular Mindfulness: Many modern mindfulness practices draw from Buddhist roots but focus on stress relief and well-being without religious elements.

Significance:

Mindfulness in Buddhism is not just a meditative practice but a way of living. It transforms how individuals relate to themselves and the world, fostering compassion, wisdom, and liberation.