When do you celebrate? After getting a high mark in an exam? Or winning a prize in a competition? At a festival? On your birthday? Most people celebrate when something good happens in their life. However, have you ever celebrated something unpleasant, or celebrated even when nothing special happened?

A few years ago, I came across a saying from an Indian Zen master,

“To me, life in its totality is good. And when you understand life in its totality, only then can you celebrate; otherwise not. Celebration means: whatsoever happens is irrelevant – I celebrate. Celebration is not conditional on certain things: ‘When I am happy then I will celebrate,’ or, ‘When I am unhappy I will not celebrate.’ No. Celebration is unconditional; I celebrate life. It brings unhappiness – good, I celebrate it. It brings happiness – good, I celebrate it. Celebration is my attitude, unconditional to what life brings. I am not saying that one has to be happy to celebrate. Celebration is gratefulness for whatsoever life gives to you. Whatsoever existence gives to you, celebration is a gratitude; it is a gratefulness. ”

Inspiring. Why do we need reasons to celebrate? Why can’t we be content with whatever that comes into our lives? Why are we choosy about our life, which creates pain and suffering? Let’s be grateful to life and celebrate every moment!