I heard these words of the Buddha one time when the Lord was living in the vicinity of Savatthi at the Anathapindika Monastery in the Jeta Grove. Late at night, a deva appeared whose light and beauty made the whole Jeta Grove shine radiantly. After paying respects to the Buddha, the deva asked him a question in the form of a verse[1]:
“Many gods and men are eager to know
what are the greatest blessings
which bring about a peaceful and happy life.
Please, Tathagata, will you teach us?”
(This is the Buddha’s answer):
“Not to be associated with the foolish ones,
To live in the company of wise people,
Honoring those who are worth honoring
This is the greatest happiness.
“To live in a good environment,
To have planted good seeds
And to realize that you are on the right path
This is the greatest happiness.“To have a chance to learn and grow,
To be skillful in your profession or craft,
Practicing the precepts and loving speech
This is the greatest happiness.
“To be able to serve and support your parents,
To cherish your own family,
To have a vocation that brings you joy
This is the greatest happiness.“To live honestly, generous in giving,
To offer support to relatives and friends,
Living a life of blameless conduct
This is the greatest happiness.“To avoid unwholesome actions,
Not caught by alcoholism or drugs,
And to be diligent in doing good things
This is the greatest happiness.“To be humble and polite in manner,
To be grateful and content with a simple life,
Not missing the occasion to learn the Dharma
This is the greatest happiness.“To persevere and be open to change,
To have regular contact with monks and nuns,
And to fully participate in Dharma discussions
This is the greatest happiness.“To live diligently and attentively,
To perceive the Noble Truths,
And to realize nirvanaThis is the greatest happiness.
“To live in the world
With your heart undisturbed by the world,
With all sorrows ended, dwelling in peace
This is the greatest happiness.“For the one who accomplishes this
Is unvanquished wherever she goes;
Always he is safe and happy
Happiness lives within oneself.”
[1] Translation and source: Hanh, Thich Nhat. Awakening of the Heart: Essential Buddhist Sutras and Commentaries (pp. 497-498). Parallax Press. Kindle Edition.
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Josephine Nolan
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Josephine Nolan is an editor and contributing feature writer for several online publications, including EDI Weekly and Buddha Weekly.
