Dhammapada 194
Happiness is the arising of Buddhas
Happiness is the arising of Buddhas; happiness is the teaching of the true Dhamma. Happiness is the harmony of the Saṅgha; happiness is the austerity of those in harmony.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Sukho buddhānamuppādo,
sukhā saddhammadesanā;
Sukhā saṅghassa sāmaggī,
samaggānaṁ tapo sukho.
In plain words
The arising of Buddhas, the teaching of the true Dhamma, and harmony in the Saṅgha bring happiness. The austerity practiced by those who are united in harmony is also called happy.
Key words
- saṅgha
- the monastic community — The community's harmony is explicit in this verse.
The story behind the verse
What is the pleasantest thing in the world?
In the commentary, a group of monks sat together at Jetavana discussing the greatest pleasure, and some favored the enjoyment of ruling. Others preferred love, and Still others spoke of food. The Buddha came and asked what they were discussing, and he explained that those pleasures belonged to the continuing round of suffering. He pointed instead to the appearance of a Buddha, hearing the teaching, and harmony in the community, and he taught the happiness of shared discipline among people living in concord.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
What supports harmony in a group you belong to?
Try it today
Make one cooperative contribution to a shared task.
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.