The Zen of Joy

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THE ZEN OF JOY

 

Once upon a time, there was a well-known and beloved

Zen Master who was famous for being happy and full of the joy of

life every single day. Absolutely nothing could make him lose his

contentment.

 

When the time came for him to depart this world, he seemed

as cheerful as ever, for not even the specter of death, which even

rich and powerful men fear, could disturb him in the slightest. In

his own inimitable way, with the same natural smile with which he

always lovingly greeted his students, he announced that they should

assemble in his bedroom and say their farewells.

 

As he lay on his deathbed, his devoted disciples gathered around

him. One asked him the question that was on all of their minds.

 

" Master, before you go, can you please tell us, what has been the

secret of your constant happiness? "

 

The Master replied to one and all, " It is very easy, really. Every

morning, the moment my eyes open and I awake, I ask myself the same

simple question: `Do you want to be happy or sad today?' And every

day, I answer, `I want to be happy today!' And once I have made the

choice, I simply stick to my word. "

 

And with that, he left this life with the same smile on his lips

that he lived it with.

 

And not a single tear was shed in that chamber, for on the face of

each of his devotees was an inheritance greater than the wealthiest

Kings of old had ever bequeathed their kin: the smile of someone who

has decided to be happy.

 

Ram Chugani

Kobe, Japan

rgcjp