The Buddha was born into a life of privilege. Before he became a monk, he was a prince.
According to the Pali Canon, he “had three palaces: one for winter, one for summer, and one for the rains.” But being surrounded by wealth did not bring him happiness.
Why? One version of the story highlights three reasons: the vanity of youth, the vanity of health, and the vanity of life itself. Disillusioned, he left his parents and his wife to become a wandering ascetic. After attaining enlightenment, he dedicated his life to teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. His legacy endures today through his disciples, who continue to share and adapt his teachings. Here’s what one of them has to say about living a happy life.
A BUDDHIST MONK’S ADVICE ON LIVING A HAPPY LIFE
1. Speak the Truth
The Buddha said, “Always speak the truth.” If someone speaks the truth throughout their life, the Buddha taught that they can live a peaceful life.
Now, telling lies is an easy thing to do. It’s tempting when you’re in a difficult situation to tell a lie and escape the problem. But remember, you are not escaping from the consequences of bad karma. You cannot avoid the results of those bad actions.
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Whatever difficult situations arise in life, and whatever disadvantages may come from telling the truth, you must speak it. Because, as the saying goes, “Bitter truth is better than sweet lies.”
2. Do Not Get Angry
The Buddha said, “Do not get angry.” It is easy to get angry with someone. Our great teacher, the Buddha, explained that it is very easy to do harmful things that bring unhappiness and suffering to ourselves and others.
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On the other hand, doing good things is hard. Being patient and keeping anger out of your mind is difficult—we must admit this. But even though it is hard, remember: if we do not control our anger, one day we will have to suffer the consequences of our harmful actions.
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The Buddha advised us to practice lovingkindness and to avoid anger toward anyone. If you can maintain a peaceful mind, free from anger, you can find true happiness in life.
3. Practice Generosity
The Buddha said, “You have to give, even if you have little.”
Think about this: if you have a thousand dollars, spending one dollar is easy. But what happens if you only have one dollar, and you are asked to give it to someone in need? Can you do that? It is very hard.
However, the Buddha taught that if someone becomes generous, even when they have very little, their gift is the most valuable.
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If you can give and donate to others, even when you have little, you are practicing generosity. This generosity brings happiness and peace to your life.
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If you practice these three teachings—speaking the truth, avoiding anger, and practicing generosity—you will lead a wonderful and peaceful life.
Complement this Buddhist monk’s advice on living a happy life with The Heritage of the Bhikkhu: The Buddhist Tradition of Service by Walpola Rahula and then revisit our article on 3 mental habits that make you unhappy.
About the author: Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is a place for everyone, regardless of background or experience, to learn and practice the ancient teachings of the Buddha. You will discover a like-minded community of people who are interested in finding happiness that is not based on endless consuming and accumulating more and more things. By learning and practicing the teachings of the Buddha, you will gain a peace and happiness that is not tied to the ups and downs of ordinary life.
