The Dhammapada

15. Happiness

Happy indeed we live who are free from hatred among those who still hate. In the midst of hate-filled men, we live free from hatred. 197

Happy indeed we live who are free from disease among those still diseased. In the midst of diseased men, we live free from disease. 198

Happy indeed we live who are free from worry among those who are still worried. In the midst of worried men, we live free from worry. 199

Happy indeed we live who have nothing of our own. We shall feed on joy, just like the radiant devas. 200

A victor only breeds hatred, while a defeated man lives in misery, but a man at peace within lives happily, abandoning up ideas of victory and defeat. 201

There is no fire like desire. There is no weakness like anger. There is no suffering like the khandhas. There is no happiness greater than peace. 202

Hunger is the supreme disease. Mental activity is the supreme suffering. When one has grasped this as it really is, nirvana is the supreme happiness. 203

Health is the supreme possession. Contentment is the supreme wealth. A trustworthy friend is the supreme relation. Nirvana is the supreme happiness. 204

After enjoying the taste of solitude and the taste of peace, one is freed from distress and evil, as one enjoys the taste of spiritual joy. 205

It is good to meet with the saints. Living with them is always sweet. By not meeting fools one can be happy all the time. 206

A man who keeps company with a fool, will suffer for it a long time. It is always painful to live with fools, like with an enemy, but a wise man is good to live with, like meeting up with relatives. 207

Therefore, if he is a man of understanding and penetration, learned and habitually moral, devout and noble, one should cultivate the company of that just and wise man, in the same way as the moon keeps to a path among the stars. 208