"THE DISCOURSE ON HAPPINESS"

"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 nirvana –
This 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."


- Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha). Taken from the website of songwriter and singer Martin Page