The Happy Monk
Once upon a time, there was a high class rich man.As he became older, he realized that the suffering of oldage was about the same for rich and poor alike. So hegave up his wealth and class position, and went into theforest to live as a poor monk. He practiced meditationand developed his mind. He freed himself fromunwholesome thoughts, and became contented and happy.His peacefulness and friendliness gradually drew 500followers to his side.
At that time, long ago, most monks usually lookedpretty serious. But there was one monk who, even thoughhe was quite dignified, always wore at least a little smile.No matter what happened, he never lost this glimmer ofinner happiness. And on happy occasions, he had thebroadest smile, and the warmest laughter of all.
Sometimes monks, as well as others, would ask himwhy he was so happy that he always wore a smile. Hechuckled and said,If I told you, you wouldnt believe me!And if you thought I spoke a lie, it would be a dishonorto my masterf The wise old master knew the source ofthe happiness that could not be wiped from his face. Hemade this happiest monk his number one assistant.
One year, after the rainy season, the old monk andhis 500 followers went to the city. The king permittedthem to live in his pleasure garden for the springtime.
This king was a good man, who took hisresponsibilities as ruler seriously. He tried to protect thepeople from danger, and increase their prosperity andwelfare. He always had to worry about neighboring kings,some of whom were unfriendly and threatening. He oftenhad to make peace between his own rival ministers ofstate.
Sometimes his wives fought for his attention, and forthe advancement of their sons. Occasionally, a dissatisfiedsubject even threatened the life of the king himself! Andof course, he had to worry constantly about the financesof the kingdom. In fact, he had so much to worry about,that he never had time to be happy!
As summer approached, he learned that the monkswere preparing to return to the forest. Considering thehealth and welfare of the old leader, the king went to himand said, Your reverence, you are now very old andweak. What good does it do to go back to the forest? Youcan send your followers back, while you remain here.
The chief monk then called his number one assistantto him and said, You are now to be the leader of theother monks, while you all live in the forest. As I am tooold and weak, I will remain here as offered by the king.So the 500 returned to the forest and the old oneremained.
The number one assistant continued practicingmeditation in the forest. He gained so much wisdom andpeace that he became even happier than before. Hemissed the master, and wanted to share his happiness withhim. So he returned to the city for a visit.
When he arrived, he sat on a rug at the feet of theold monk. They didnt speak very much, but every so oftenthe number one assistant would say, What happiness! Ohwhat happiness!
Then the king came to visit. He paid his respects tothe chief monk. However, the one from the forest justkept saying, What happiness! Oh what happiness! He didnot even stop to greet the king and show proper respect.This disturbed him, and he thought, With all my worries,as busy as I am looking after the kingdom, I take time outfor a visit and this monk does not respect me enough toeven recognize me. How insulting! He said to the seniorof the two monks, Venerable sir, this monk must bestupid from overeating. That must be why he is so full ofhappiness. Does he lie around here so lazy all the time?
The head monk replied, Oh king, have patience andI will tell you the source of his happiness. Not many knowit. He was once a king, just as rich and mighty as you!Then he was ordained a monk and gave up his kingly life.Now he thinks his old happiness was nothing compared to his present joy!
He used to be surrounded by armed men, whoguarded and protected him. Now, sitting alone in theforest with nothing to fear, he has no need for armedguards. He has given up the burden of worrying aboutwealth that has to be protected. Instead, free of the worryof wealth and the fear of power, his wisdom protectshimself and others. He advances in meditation to suchinner peace, that he cannot keep from saying, Whathappiness! Oh what happiness!
The king understood at once. Hearing the story ofthe happy monk made him feel at peace. He stayed for awhile and received advice from both of them. Then hehonored them, and returned to the palace.
Later the happy monk, who once had been a king,paid his respects to his master and returned to the lovelyforest. The old chief monk lived out the remainder of hislife, died, and was reborn in a high heaven world.
The moral is: Unattached to wealth and power,happiness increases.
雅思听力中的理解、辨别和听写
雅思听力六大场景的高频词汇整理
有效提高雅思听力成绩的八点建议
雅思听力考试当天的六点特别提醒
雅思听力填表题的实用技巧
浅谈雅思听力备考全面发展的方法
雅思听力高频难词解析:Antibiotic 抗生素
雅思听力电话号码考点的7个窍门
攻克雅思听力学术讲座题的基本步骤
雅思听力相貌场景备考指导
雅思听力考试拼写必须正确的高频词汇
两个月拿下雅思听力6分的备考心得分享
看故事学雅思听力:新生入学主题高频词汇
雅思听力判断正误题的解题要点
雅思听说训练中应该注意几个问题
分享雅思听力的五大禁忌与五大技巧
从VOA慢速英语突破雅思听力的方法指导
有效攻克雅思听力学术讲座题的三个步骤
雅思听力电话号码场景的应试技巧介绍
雅思听力Section4的应试技巧介绍
活用六大原则 驰骋雅思听力
浅谈如何消除雅思听力考试的紧张心理
雅思听力背景知识:悉尼大学与剑桥大学
雅思听力中的常见记号句
提高雅思听力水平的方法分享:听写
雅思听力数字题目的考点归纳
雅思听力动植物场景词汇整理
雅思听力常考地名词汇汇总
A类雅思听力考试的四大出题原则
雅思听力电话号码场景备考指导
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |