Chapter 15

Let us live happily, then, not hating those who hate us. Among people who hate, let us live free of hatred.

Let us live happily, then, free of sickness among the sick. Among people who are sick, let us live free of sickness.

Let us live happily, then, free of greed among the greedy. Among people who are greedy, let us live free of greed.

Let us live happily, then, even though we own nothing. We will be like the shining gods, who feed on happiness itself.

Victory breeds hatred, because the one who is defeated suffers. The person who has let go of both victory and defeat is content, and is happy.

There is no fire like passion, no losing roll of the dice like hatred, no pain like this body, and no happiness greater than peace.

Hunger is the worst disease, and the body the greatest source of pain. Whoever truly understands this has reached Nirvana, the highest happiness.

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, trust the best of relationships, and Nirvana the highest happiness.

Whoever has tasted the sweetness of solitude and calm becomes free from fear and free from wrongdoing, savoring the sweetness of drinking in the truth.

It is good to see the noble ones; living with them is always a joy. If a person never has to see fools, they will be truly happy.

Whoever travels in the company of fools suffers for a long time. Being with fools is always painful, like being with an enemy; but being with the wise is a pleasure, like meeting family.

So follow the wise, the intelligent, the learned, the patient, the dutiful, the noble. Follow a good and wise person the way the moon follows its path among the stars.