The constant bustle of life, repeatedly awakening to the same monotonous rhythm of daily life. It is a perpetual loop of waking up, getting ready, working, eating, and sleeping. It can often feel like an unending cycle. The relentless repetition of this pattern leaves us yearning for a respite as if we're merely breathing for the emancipating weekends. The arrival of Friday morning, marked by the celebratory cry of "Thank God It's Friday," brings a temporary shift, almost a reprieve from the undeviating weekday grind. But, alas, time forever goes on, resurrecting the infamous Monday feeling and dreams of the weekend return. A friend used to always say, ‘Don’t hate Mondays; be more professional and sophisticated. Hate the entire week!’ Yet, as the weeks continue to blur together in this same routine, an undeniable craving for something more begins to stir within. The need to depart from the familiar becomes not just a desire but a necessity. Amid the swirl of daily routines, the magnetic allure of travel emerges as a beacon of escape, rejuvenation and, of course, happiness.

In a moment of realisation, you reach for your phone or laptop, driven by the urge to inject a large dose of an addictive substance, happiness, into your life. Fuelled by inspiration from the self-styled travel guru at the workplace, who is only too eager to share their most recent travel experience over a water cooler chat, within a few clicks, you find yourself booking a flight to a tropical paradise or a destination far removed from the norm. In that instant, the promise of adventure materialises, and the prospect of exploring the unknown becomes the antidote to the weariness of routine.

Beyond the temporary infatuations, there are, of course, those who take travel a lot more seriously. It could be the inert desire for change, the promise of a better or brighter future, or the hope that the grass is always greener on the other side. From the dawn of civilisation as cavemen or troglodytes to the present day as sophisticated human beings, individuals have always been drawn to the promise of new horizons, seeking opportunities, refuge, and a chance at a life different from the one they've known. They migrate or immigrate with economic aspirations, educational pursuits or the search for freedom from adversities, leaving behind a trail of tears and heartaches as they are reminded of their loved ones.

Whether fuelled by an insatiable curiosity, a quest for self-discovery, or a yearning for new experiences, the magnetic pull of foreign lands captivates the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. The allure of exploring unfamiliar landscapes, immersing oneself in different traditions, and tasting the flavours of unknown cuisines has become a compelling force, driving individuals to embark on journeys to countries abroad, hoping to satisfy this craving, Wanderlust. 

It is as if this insatiable desire has been embedded in our DNA since the dawn of mankind. As our intelligence and awareness of our surroundings evolved, so did our quest for unexplored greener grounds. Forever inquisitively in search of what else Mother Earth had in store for him, man would go exploring. In the early days, it meant traversing small distances on foot, a journey that spanned days, months, or even lifetimes. Wooden carts, pulled by horses and other creatures, marked the next chapter in our pursuit of new territories. Eyes then turned to the vast oceans, echoing the spirit of explorers like the daring Christopher Columbus. But the craving persisted; the relentless urge to explore grew roots in the inventive minds of the Wright brothers. They birthed colossal metal ships that could travel the blue sky, making international travel more accessible. Still, human curiosity refused to be satisfied. With heads held high, we gazed at the stars and wondered about the possibility of traversing the darkness. Thanks to the visionary efforts of NASA and SpaceX, plans are underway to extend our reach beyond the bounds of Earth, contemplating the colonisation of the infinite intergalactic space. The flame of wanderlust, it seems, burns brighter than ever.

Nevertheless, regardless of our destination or how far we travel, there is an undeniable sense of something lacking. As citizens of Sri Lanka, we gaze upon the magnificent cities of Singapore and the Bahamas or the highly developed nations like Australia, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom with our eyes widened, our mouths agape, and our tongues lolling inches off the floor. Many idolise these places and, if given the opportunity, would not hesitate to experience their wonders firsthand.

When we examine the statistics, we find that at this very moment, a multitude of individuals are embarking on journeys to various foreign lands. To illustrate this point, let us consider the bustling activity at Heathrow Airport in London, where a staggering number of flights take off every minute. In fact, the daily total of flights surpasses an impressive count of 1300. Now, one may ponder, why is it that humans have such a deep-rooted desire to travel? 

In order to address the inquiry posed, let us postulate that all human minds share common workings and desires. However, I acknowledge the inherent uniqueness of each mind, recognising that individual perspectives can diverge significantly, and not everyone may find the same level of pleasure from the act of travelling. Furthermore, I want to state that I have no animosity towards the concept of travel or anything related. Rather, this article intends to engage in a deep introspection of one's mental processes.

If you had the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go? I posed this question to a diverse group of individuals, and the responses often included destinations like Singapore, Australia, China, Japan, Dubai, and notable Western countries such as the United Kingdom and the USA, among others. These answers interested me as I spent my formative years in the United Kingdom. 

When asked about my nationality, I would proudly declare Sri Lankan. Those familiar with this tropical nation would look at me with awe and express how fortunate I was to come from such a tropical paradise. Many confessed their desire to visit or revisit the country on their next vacation. This caught me off guard, prompting me to inquire further… What was it about Sri Lanka that held such allure? Their responses painted a picture of a beautiful nation with breathtaking landscapes and delectable cuisine, each listing their own reasons. 

Reflecting on these conversations, a common thread emerged: the notion that a journey to Sri Lanka could bring them happiness. I, myself, am also guilty of this way of thinking. As someone who has explored various countries, I, too, have been looking for this elusive happiness, an escape from the perpetual cycle of daily routine.

There was something that we failed to realise. Only when one examines things meticulously does the flaws and subtle gaps in our perspectives become apparent. When individuals expressed that Sri Lanka would bring them happiness, I did not share such a strong view. Consider your response to the question of where you would like to travel. Chances are, you did not choose Sri Lanka; rather, you selected a destination that, in your belief, would bring you happiness. It is like a paradox. While being a good, dutiful, law-abiding citizen of Sri Lanka, the inclination is often to seek happiness elsewhere. In contrast, others may choose to come here in search of the same happiness. The assumption here is that if the country itself secretes or is submerged in happiness, then there would be no need to venture abroad; the residentiary would always be content.

In 2022 alone, the departure numbers tell a story of their own. Over 1.1 million individuals left Sri Lanka, averaging about 94,000 monthly departures, per data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). As we look ahead, predictions indicate that more will follow this year and leave their motherland.

For a country that supposedly has ‘happiness’, why would so many have the desire to leave? This is because something is missing. No matter where you decide to go, it is always missing. This absence remains a constant theme across the various countries I've explored in my life. Everyone is in search of something in their lives: happiness. Even after a holiday, don’t we need to take a holiday? Does that mean it was not a holiday in the first place? Even after indulging in a vacation, don't we find ourselves yearning for another? Like many other activities we engage in, we travel, looking for happiness, failing to realise that happiness is within us and not somewhere external. So the idea of travelling for the sake of happiness is futile. Despite this, approximately 80% of the global travel and tourism expenditure is generated by leisure travel, i.e. travel mainly for the purpose of engaging in an activity believed to bring happiness. Incidentally, some industries exist entirely because the vast majority of people are unaware of these basic truths.

By the time you read this, I find myself in a foreign land, far from the place that I call home. Now, you may label me a hypocrite, preaching about the futility of seeking happiness abroad while I, too, venture to Australia. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Rather than seeking personal happiness, my fellow monk and I have temporarily left our homeland to assist the citizens of Australia in discovering what may be eluding them. I am a firm believer that everyone is entitled to happiness. We often fail to realise that the happiness we seek depends not on our geographical location or material possessions but on the mindset we cultivate. If you would like to revise this concept, please revisit the previous articles in this series, I highly recommend giving them a read, as they offer invaluable insights.

During our stay here, we have successfully organised a multitude of impactful events to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals from all walks of life. Our mission is to fill the void in the lives of others, as previously discussed in the enlightening articles titled 'What you give is what you get.' and ‘Is Buddhism Still Relevant In The Modern Era?’ Drawing inspiration from the profound teachings and philosophy of the Buddha, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of others by spreading genuine and unconditional happiness. We have conducted a spectrum of public events, including enlightening talks and transformative mindful awareness retreats that cater to a diverse audience, attracting individuals from various backgrounds. The universal thirst for understanding the truth of life, the mind and its workings is shared with many, prompting our engagement with various educational institutions. Among them, we've delivered several enlightening sessions at esteemed universities such as the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Western Sydney. Additionally, we have conducted workshops at several secondary high schools, leaving young minds with profound truths to contemplate and offering them a glimpse into the reality of the world around them.

Recognising the profound impact of a lack of understanding of the mind and mental processes on the surge of mental health challenges worldwide, we've taken a proactive approach to address these concerns. A staggering 42.9% of individuals in Australia aged 16–85 years have grappled with a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with 21.5% experiencing a 12-month mental illness. It is worth noting that anxiety reigns supreme as the most prevalent group, affecting a significant 17.2% of individuals in the same age bracket. Armed with this knowledge, we recognise our ability to make a difference in the lives of these individuals by offering assistance in reducing and ultimately eradicating their mental illness. With a compassionate mission, we extend our efforts to engage with various mental health groups. We aim to provide valuable insights and support to those with mental health challenges to bring about positive change.

The rising global issue of substance abuse has also captured our attention. Young children and our devotees highlighted a concerning statistic that during the years 2020-2022, 3.3% of Australians (equivalent to 647,900 individuals) between the ages of 16 and 85 experienced a substance-use disorder within 12 months. Understanding that the minds of those addicted to substances and those addicted to their phones and social media share similarities widened our horizons. Whether fighting substance addiction or technology dependence, the underlying mental processes are the same. However, one is stigmatised and frowned upon in society; the other is considered "normal." This implies that individuals in recovery from addiction can also benefit from the principles of Buddhism. Our efforts have profoundly impacted the lives of individuals in several rehabilitation centres, including facilities catering specifically to young adults aged 16 to 25 years. Through these beneficial engagements, we aspire to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those navigating the challenging terrain of mental health and substance-use disorders.

Our commitment to service extends beyond conventional boundaries, as we immerse ourselves in the service of those who need our support. From a Buddhist perspective, every individual possesses a mind led blind by ignorance, until they have uprooted ignorance. All ‘bad’ actions are because of the ignorant mind; by removal of ignorance, they will not commit the wrongdoing. They all have the potential to attain true happiness. This simple truth inspires us to engage with various juvenile centres and prisons, as we firmly hold that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves true, unconditional happiness. While they may be unable to alter their immediate environment, we believe in the transformative power of changing their mindset.

This manifests a crucial truth – no country is flawless, and no citizen, regardless of nationality, holds or controls happiness. Despite the insatiable desire for exploration and adventure, the allure of wanderlust, true happiness does not reside in a physical location but rather within the mindset of the individual. Making some headway with understanding this fundamental phenomenon will at least empower us with the skill to question ourselves on the purpose of doing something before just plunging into it.