Chapter 15: Happiness
True happiness comes from virtue, freedom from greed, and association with the wise.
12 argumentative units
- 01Happiness through non-hatred
True happiness comes from living without hatred even among those who hate us.
- 02Happiness through freedom from ailment
Happiness is achieved by being free from physical ailments even while surrounded by the suffering.
- 03Happiness through freedom from greed
Contentment comes from freedom from greed, even while living among the greedy.
- 04Non-attachment and divine joy
Those who possess nothing share in the happiness of the gods through feeding on spiritual joy.
- 05Victory breeds hatred; contentment brings happiness
Victory creates unhappiness through the suffering of the defeated, whereas contentment free from both victory and defeat is the true happy state.
- 06Comparative enumeration of vices and the highest virtue
The author ranks various sources of suffering (passion, hatred, bodily pain) and identifies rest as the highest happiness.
- 07True knowledge of bodily pain leads to Nirvana
Understanding that the body is the greatest pain source constitutes the true knowledge that leads to Nirvana, the ultimate happiness.
- 08Hierarchy of gifts, riches, and ultimate happiness
The author ranks health, contentedness, and trust as supreme earthly goods, with Nirvana as the transcendent highest happiness.
- 09Solitude and tranquility bring freedom from fear and sin
One who experiences the sweetness of solitude and tranquility while following the dharma becomes free from fear and sin.
- 10Sight of the enlightened brings happiness; foolish company brings misery
Associating with the elect (Arya) brings happiness and avoiding fools ensures true happiness.
- 11Foolish company causes suffering; wise company brings pleasure
Walking with fools causes prolonged suffering similar to enmity, while company with the wise brings pleasure like meeting with kinfolk.
- 12Imperative to follow the wise as a guide
One should follow the wise, intelligent, learned, and dutiful as the moon follows the stars, as a model for proper conduct.