Chapter on Happiness (DHP197-208)

Collection of Minor Texts

Verses of Dhamma

Chapter on Happiness

Oh so happily we live,

non-hostile amidst the hostile.

Amidst hostile people

we live without hostility.

Oh so happily we live,

unafflicted amidst the afflicted.

Amidst afflicted people

we live without affliction.

Oh so happily we live,

unpreoccupied amidst the preoccupied.

Amidst preoccupied people

we live without preoccupation.

Oh so happily we live,

we who have nothing.

We will feed on bliss,

like the radiant angels.

Victory produces hostility;

the defeated sleep uncomfortably.

The peaceful sleep happily,

having relinquished both victory and defeat.

There is no fire as strong as passion,

no distress as strong as aversion,

no suffering as strong as the components of being,

no happiness greater than peace

Hunger is the highest affliction,

conditions are the highest suffering;

for one who truly knows this,

Nibbāna is the highest happiness.

Freedom from illness is the highest acquisition,

contentment is the highest wealth,

trust is the highest kin,

Nibbāna is the highest happiness.

Having tasted the flavor of seclusion

and the flavor of peace,

free from anguish, flawless,

one tastes the bliss of the Dhamma.

It is good to see the Noble Ones,

living with them is always pleasant.

One who does not see fools

will always be happy.

Those who go with fools

will sorrow for a long time.

Living with fools is painful,

like being with an enemy all the time.

But living with the wise is pleasant,

like being together with one's relatives.

Therefore,

follow one who is steadfast, wise, and educated,

a good person who is patient, religious, noble, and astute,

follow that person,

as the moon follows the path of the stars.