Classic and Contemporary Buddhist Works  The Meaning of Life -
Selections  Buddhist Perspectives on Cause and Effect  1~ The
Buddhist Worldview  First, let me talk to the Buddhist
practitioners in the audience about the proper motivation for
listening to lectures on religion. A good motivation is
important. The reason why we are discussing these matters is
certainly not money, fame, or any other aspect of our livelihood
during this life. There are plenty of activities that can bring
these. The main reason why we have come here stems from a long-
term concern.  It is a fact that everybody wants happiness and
does not want suffering; there is no argument about this. But
there is disagreement about how to achieve happiness and how to
overcome problems. There are many types of happiness and many
ways to achieve them, and there are also many types of
sufferings and ways to overcome them. As Buddhists, however, we
aim not merely for temporary relief and temporary benefit but
for long-term results. Buddhists are conc