I guess I'm a bit of both. I know happiness is a veneer because it is only temporary; fleeting. Therefore, we have to make what we can of the life we have been given.
The Buddha said that all is dukkha (suffering) and I believe he is right - and not just because I'm ill. By suffering (not an exact translation) the Buddha meant that everything is impermanent. When we are passionately in love, for example, we want it to last for ever. Sadly, it won't, because there will be a parting of the ways (such as in death). Our joy is turned to heartbreak.
When one is seriously ill, however, one is glad to know that the suffering is not forever. Unfortunately, in severe cases, to be rid of the pain often means one has to die.
Look at our bodies. Our fresh, young healthy skin eventually turns to wrinkled flesh - and that's just on the outside. The joy we seek, too often through sex and the striving for material gain, never results in true happiness. For this, I believe we have to be on a spiritual plane. Not necessarily believing in God, but in a universal power.
There are moments, of course, when life can be blissfully enjoyable. As long as we remember there are thorns as well as gossamer we will be able to make the most of what we have, which includes the concern and well-being of all sentient creatures.
Ian
