Share Happiness, Stay Happy

A Wealthy Merchant, but No Peace

There was a wealthy merchant. Because of his miserliness and constant stinginess, his neighbors, friends, relatives—even his wife and sons—were unhappy with him and did not speak sweetly to him. No one visited him freely, nor did anyone chat kindly with him. The merchant felt it was better that people remained silent rather than talk; and if they had to speak, let it be very brief. But after a few days, he became ill. Because of loneliness, he was soon surrounded by diseases. He sought much treatment, but nothing worked.

A Neighbor’s Simple Medicine

The merchant’s condition worsened. In this state a kind neighbor felt compassion and came to him. The merchant asked the neighbor for a remedy. The neighbor filled a glass of water and gave it to him. The merchant drank it, then asked again, “Brother! Please tell me a treatment so that I may get well.”

The neighbor said, “Merchant! If you truly want happiness, and if you want your health to become good, then daily—every morning—give one handful of grains to the birds and animals. And if you are able, then fill water in pots with your own hands and keep it for them.” The merchant accepted the neighbor’s suggestion, considering him a well-wisher and a friend; for some days he followed it diligently.

Morning Sharing, Rising Joy

Early every morning the merchant began feeding grains. Hearing the sweet chirping of the birds, his mind became cheerful. The neighbor watched his movements and activities. The merchant’s health slowly began to improve; he began to gain strength. The swelling in his hands and feet subsided, the heaviness of the head reduced, and a lightness entered his heart. Day by day his mind became free of anxiety and, listening to the birds’ sweet voices, serenity descended. The whole courtyard seemed fragrant. The merchant felt great delight.

Happiness Shared, Happiness Returned

One day a very important customer came. Seeing the merchant’s radiant face he was greatly surprised. He had the merchant sit with affection and inquired about his condition. The merchant said, “Brother! Sir! As per the neighbor’s advice, my health has become absolutely fine. But tell me, is there any secret in this?” The neighbor smiled and said, “There is no secret, Merchant! Your health improved because every morning the birds came, you heard their sweet voices and became joyful; your heart became compassionate. With the removal of excessive self-centeredness, you stopped being a victim of loneliness, and your mind stopped sulking. Only by sharing happiness does one receive happiness.”

The merchant realized his mistake. From that very day he gave up miserliness. He called back his wife and sons with sweet words, and began to live joyfully.

The foundation of a healthy life is joy.