Sukhavagga

Happiness: Dhammapada 197

Ah, happily do we live without hate amongst the hateful; amidst hateful men we dwell unhating.

Ah, happily do we live in good health amongst the ailing; amidst ailing men we dwell in good health.

Ah, happily do we live without yearning amongst those who yearn; amidst those who yearn we dwell without yearning.

Ah, happily do we live, we who have no impediments. Feeders of joy shall we be even as the gods of the Radiant Realm.

Victory breeds hatred. The defeated live in pain. Happily the peaceful live, giving up victory and defeat.

Comments

[Sansabelt Savior]

From Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama:

"Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister. No matter how new the face or how different the dress and behavior, there is no significant division between us and other people. It is foolish to dwell on external differences, because our basic natures are the same.

Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home. If we are to protect this home of ours, each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism. It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another. If you have a sincere and open heart, you naturally feel self-worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others.

I believe that at every level of society--familial, tribal, national, and international--the key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion. We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology. All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities.

I try to treat whoever I meet as an old friend. This gives me a genuine feeling of happiness. It is the practice of compassion."

[c2]

"Imagine all the people...living life in peace

ooh-ooh-ooh-oo-oo-ooh."

[c2]

"Imagine all the people...

living life in peace...

Oooh-ooh-ooh-oo-oo-ooh."

[c2]

Is there an echoe in here?

[Nate]

The greatest joy a man can know is to conquer his enemies and drive them before him. To ride their horses and take away their possessions. To see the faces of those who were dear to them bedewed with tears, and to clasp their wives and daughters in his arms.

Genghis Khan's value statement

...and since 1 in 200 men alive today can claim direct patrilineal descendant from the great Khan, in some sense we can say just that 'Victory breeds'.

[Nate]

...oops, that should read 'direct patrilineal descent...

[Sansabelt Savior]

"What is best in life?"

"To crush your enemies, to see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of the women."

--Conan, the Barbarian

I still prefer the Lama, though. And as long as I'm quoting the Dalai Lama:

And I say, "Hey, Lama!

"How about a little something,
you know, for the effort?"

And he says, "There won't be any money...

"...but when you die, on your deathbed...

"...you will receive total consciousness."

So I've got that going for me...
which is nice.
--Caddyshack

[Non-Prophet]

"Wherever you go... there you are." - Buckaroo Banzai