There was once a man of wealth and high position who realized
that suffering was the same for the rich and the poor. So he became a monk to practice
meditation in order to develop his mind. Soon, that old monk had 500 monks as
follower. One of these monks was always in a good temper, unlike the others who
usually looked serous. The monk was the only one who knew his source of
happiness, and this happy monk was soon appointed chief assistant. A year
later, while they were spending the rainy season in the royal garden according
to the king’s invitation, the old monk was asked to stay at the residence in
the palace. The happy monk became the new leader of the group. One day, this
happy monk went to pay respect to the old monk and visit at the palace. All
would stay in the residence on seeing him mumbling as follow; “Here what
happiness! Here what happiness!”
The king, who happened to visit the old monk at that time,
felt insulted when he was not greeted by this happy monk, who was not even
aware of the king’s entrance. Seeing the king’s displeasure, the old monk said
to him: “Have patience, my king, and I will tell you the source of this monk’s
happiness. Not many people know of it. He was once a king like you. But having
given up his kingly life for that of a monk, he had found his present joy!
Sitting alone in the forest, he had nothing to fear and no need for armed
guards to surround him. Free from the worry over wealth and power, his wisdom
now protects himself and others. He has found such inner peace in meditation
that he can not help saying: “Here what happiness! Here what happiness!” The
king finally understood what true happiness was. He honored the two monks
before returning to his palace.
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