I disagree with the Buddhist view of "Nirvana" and being in a state of "utter happiness and contentedness." Aren't the hardships and trials in our lives the things that make the happiness and the contentedness meaningful. If we never had trials, if we never had to work or strive for anything would we really "be" anything. I know that personally, the only things that I have in my life that mean anything to me are things that I have had to work and strive for. My children are the most important things in my life and believe me they are definitely work. They make me work, they make me sweat, they make me tired, they make me crazy sometimes. Then there are those times when we cuddle up and go to sleep that are just so blissful. If I didn't work so hard to be the best parent I don't think that the blissful times would be as special. If there was nothing bad that could happen wouldn't you just "be" not "be in an utter state of happiness and contentedness?" And if you could how would you know the difference?