Most of us have known joyful moments. They are usually memorable because of their intensity and how good it feels to be joyful. Is it possible to actually live in a state of joy? I imagine most of us would say that would be idealistic, but sustaining joyful moments into hours, days, months, even years, would still seem to be highly desirable.
The reading for today, from the 15th chapter of the Dhammapada gives us Buddha's teaching on what it is like, and what it takes, to live in a sustained state of joy. Wouldn't it be worth the effort?
Let us live in joy, never hating those who may hate us.
Let us live in freedom, without hatred, even among those who are hateful.
Let us live in joy, never falling prey to sickness like those who are sick.
Let us live in freedom, without dis-ease, even among those who are ill.
Let us live in joy, never attached among those who are selfishly attached.
Let us live in freedom even among those who are bound by selfish cravings.
Let us live in joy, never hoarding things among those who hoard.
Let us live in growing joy like the bright stars.
Conquest breeds hatred, for the conquered live in sorrow.
Let us be neither conqueror nor conquered, and live in peace and joy.
There is no fire like lust, no sickness like hatred,
no sorrow like separateness,
no joy like peace.
No disease is worse than greed,
no suffering worse than selfish passion.
Know this and seek the freedom of nirvana as the highest joy.
Health is the best gift, contentment the best wealth, trust the best relative,
nirvana (exctinction of selfishness and its bonds) the greatest joy.
Drink the nectar of the dharma in the depths of meditation, and become free from fear and sin.
It is good to meet the wise, even better to live with them.
But avoid the company of the immature if you want joy.
Keeping company with the immature is like going on a long journey with an enemy.
The company of the wise is joyful, like reunion with one's loved ones.
Therefore, live among the wise, who are understanding, patient, responsible, and noble.
Keep their company as the moon moves among the stars.
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