Happiness!

HAPPINESS 

While in the midst

of those who hate,

to dwell free from hating 

is happiness indeed.

While in the midst

of those who are troubled,

to dwell untroubled 

is happiness indeed.

While in the midst 

of those who are greedy,

to dwell free from greed

is happiness indeed.

We dwell happily,

free from anxiety;

like radiant beings

in celestial realms 

we rejoice in delight.

Victory leads to hatred,

for the defeated suffer.

The peaceful live happily,

beyond victory and defeat.

There is no fire like lust,

no distress like hatred,

no pain like the burden of attachment,

no joy like the peace of liberation.

Hunger is the greatest affliction,

conditionality the greatest 

source of despair.

The wise, seeing this as it is,

realize liberation, the greatest joy.

A healthy mind is the greatest gain.

Contentment is the greatest wealth.

A trustworthy friend is the best of kin.

Unconditional freedom 

is the highest bliss.

Tasting the flavour of solitude 

and the nectar of peace,

those who drink the joy

that is the essence of reality 

abide free from fear of evil.

It is always a pleasure 

not to have to encounter fools.

It is always good to see noble beings 

and a delight to live with them.

Tedious is the company of fools,

always painful, like being 

surrounded by enemies;

but to associate with the wise

is like being at home.

You should follow the ways 

of those who are steadfast,

discerning, pure and aware,

just as the moon follows 

the path of the stars.

~ A Dhammapada for Contemplation 

A rendering by

Ajahn Munindo