“When it turns out to be that recommended practices or contemplations lead to unhappiness, what to do? Does one have to continue?”
Those bhikkhus (and the translator too) misunderstood the instructions given by the Buddha.
– In any case, if a given procedure does not help, there in no point in pursuign that particular approach. There are many different techniques to choose from.
“Therefor, i belief, searching happiness in life cannot really be in conflict with buddha-dhamma. Happiness and joy are necessities to practise the buddha-dhamma and make any progress. Ofcourse i understand it is a kind of happiness the sutta’s talk about (piti and sukha). We are not talking about sense-pleasures. But an unhappy mind is a serieus obstacle, at least, this is my own experience.”
That is true.
But the whole point in pursuing Buddha Dhamma is to realize the bad consequences of GETTING ATTACHED TO sense pleasures.
– But that does mean one needs to avoid sense pleasures, and live like those ascetics who endured suffering in hopes of getting rid of sense pleasures.
– That “giving up” HAS TO come through understanding: That in the end such sense pleasures only lead to suffering. That is the hard part.
This is why I keep saying that one must follow the Path step-by-step:
“Is It Necessary for a Buddhist to Eliminate Sensual Desires?“