Back to The Dhammapada
Chapter Fifteen -- Happiness
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Happy indeed we live, friendly amidst
the hostile. Amidst hostile people we dwell
free from hatred.
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Happy indeed we live, unafflicted amidst
those afflicted (by craving). Amidst afflicted
people we dwell free from affliction.
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Happy indeed we live, free from avarice
amidst the avaricious. Amidst avaricious people
we dwell free from avarice.
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Happy indeed we live, we who possess
nothing. Feeders on joy we shall be, like the
Radiant Gods.
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Victory begets enmity, the defeated dwell
in pain. Happily the peaceful live, discarding
both victory and defeat.
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There is no fire like lust and no crime
like hatred. There is no ill like the aggregates
(of existence) and no bliss higher than the
peace (of Nibbana).
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Hunger is the worst disease, conditioned
things the worst suffering. Knowing this as it
really is, the wise realize Nibbana,
the highest bliss.
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Health is the highest gain and contentment
the greatest wealth. A trustworthy person
is the best kinsman, Nibbana the highest bliss.
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Having savoured the taste of solitude
and peace, pain-free and stainless they become,
drinking deep the taste of the bliss of Truth.
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Good it is to see the Noble Ones, to
live with them is ever blissful. One will always
be happy by not encountering fools.
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Indeed, they who move in the company
of fools grieve for long. Association with fools
is ever painful, like partnership with an enemy.
But happy is association with the wise, like
meeting one's own kin.
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Therefore, follow the Noble One, who
is steadfast, wise, learned, dutiful and devout.
One should follow only such a person, who is truly
good and discerning, even as the moon follows
the path of the stars.