A Wisdom Story: Master of Happiness

A short tale on how to find happiness.

This is a short wisdom story I wrote when I experienced a very spiritual phase in my life. At that time, I read Sadhguru, Anthony de Mello, Wayne Dyer, and others. I am by no means as awakened as they are. But I believe many of you will enjoy the tale.

Master of happiness

An old Zen master used to live high in the mountains. Again and again, young monks from the monastery a few miles away came up to his hut to be able to share in his wisdom.

After hours of arduous ascent, one of the students came up the mountain that day as well. He found the old master very close to his hut on a ledge in deep meditation.

Since the wise master rarely missed anything, he spoke to the novice without moving and asked what he wanted.

The disciple replied: “Master, please tell me how to be happy at all times! What is the secret of happiness?”.

The master remained in silent meditation for a while and finally asked the disciple: “Tell me, what do you see when you look at your feet?”.

The young monk looked down and said:

“I can see my feet, which hurt from the ascent. And the old sandals that I’ve been wearing forever gave me blisters. They are very nearly falling apart. But Master, what has that got to do with happiness?”.

The old master smiled and replied:

“You know, when I look at your feet, I see what made it possible for you to climb that mountain. Are you not happy to have them?

But just as you blank out your nose, when you look down, even though it gives you the invaluable power of breath at all times, you also constantly blank out your happiness. It is there, but you are unaware of it.”.

And after a short silence between them, he added:

“To be constantly happy, become a master at finding happiness in all things.”

Thank you to everyone reading this, especially to everyone following me.

I hope you enjoyed it.

Cheers!