old-path-white-clouds-thich-nhat-hanh

The path the Buddha taught avoided both extremes. He taught that the most intelligent way is to live in a way that fosters happiness for
both the present and the future. The way of liberation does not force austerities on the body in the hope of attaining future happiness. A
bhikkhu creates happiness for himself and for all those around him in the present moment by the way in which he eats his daily meal,
meditates, and practices the Four Establishments of Mindfulness, the Four Limitless Meditations, and the Full Awareness of Breathing.
Eating only one meal a day keeps his body healthy and light, and allows more time for spiritual practice. Living in ease and freedom, he is
better able to help others. Bhikkhus remain celibate and childless, not as a practice of austerity, but as a means of being more free to help
others. The bhikkhu is able to see the happiness that is present in each moment of daily life. If he feels his chastity deprives him of
happiness, he is not living the spirit of the teaching. A bhikkhu who follows the teaching of celibacy according to its true spirit radiates ease,
peace, and joy. Such a life brings happiness in both the present and future.
After the Dharma talk, lay disciple Punnalakkhana asked the Buddha if she could speak to him. She told the Buddha that her husband,
Sudatta Anathapindika, had fallen gravely ill. He was in such great pain he was unable to attend the Dharma talk. His condition was steadily
worsening. He feared he would die before having a chance to see the Buddha one last time.
The next day the Buddha, together with Venerables Sariputta and Ananda, went to visit Sudatta. Sudatta was deeply moved to see
them. His face was pale and drawn and he could barely sit up. The Buddha said to him, “Sudatta, your entire life has been filled with
meaning and happiness. You have relieved the suffering of countless others, moving the people to bestow upon you the name of
Anathapindika, ‘the one who cares for the poor and abandoned.’ Jetavana monastery is one of your many fine accomplishments. You have
constantly contributed to efforts to spread the Dharma. You have lived according to the teaching and have thus created true happiness for
yourself, your family, and many others. You can rest now. I will ask Venerable Sariputta to visit you often and provide you special
guidance. Don’t try to come to the monastery. You should reserve your strength.”
Sudatta joined his palms in gratitude.
Fifteen days later, the Buddha gave a Dharma talk on lay life. He told the laity how they could realize true happiness in their daily lives.
He reviewed the principle of living for “peace in the present, peace for the future” which he had presented in his previous Dharma talk to
the monks and nuns. He also said, “A bhikkhu lives a celibate life in order to enjoy peace and joy in the present moment. Such a life
assures future happiness as well. But homeless bhikkhus are not the only ones who can enjoy such happiness. Lay disciples living in the
world can follow the principles of the teaching to foster true happiness. First of all, do not let a desire for wealth cause you to become so
consumed by your work that you prevent happiness for yourself and your family in the present moment. Happiness is foremost. A look
filled with understanding, an accepting smile, a loving word, a meal shared in warmth and awareness are the things which create happiness
in the present moment. By nourishing awareness in the present moment, you can avoid causing suffering to yourself and those around you.
The way you look at others, your smile, and your small acts of caring can create happiness. True happiness does not depend on wealth or
fame.”
The Buddha recalled a conversation he had had with a merchant named Sigala several years previously in Rajagaha. One morning, the
Buddha left Bamboo Forest with his begging bowl just as daylight was breaking. He came upon a young man on a path just outside the city.
Sigala was bowing to the six directions of East, West, South, North, Down, and Up. The Buddha stopped and asked him the purpose of
his bowing. Sigala said that his father had taught him as a child to bow to the six directions every morning. He liked to obey his father’s
wishes, but he did not actually know the purpose for the ritual.
The Buddha told him, “Bowing is a practice which can foster happiness for both the present and the future.” He told Sigala that as he
bowed to the East he could contemplate gratitude to his parents. When he bowed to the South, he could contemplate gratitude to his
teachers. Bowing West, he could contemplate love for his wife and children. Bowing to the North, he could contemplate love for his
friends. Bowing down, he could contemplate gratitude to his co-workers. Bowing up, he could contemplate gratitude to all wise and
virtuous persons.
The Buddha taught Sigala the five precepts and how to look deeply at things in order to avoid acting out of greed, anger, passion, or
fear. The Buddha told Sigala to avoid the six actions which lead to ruin—abusing alcohol, wandering through city streets late at night,
frequenting places of gambling, visiting places of depravity, loitering with persons of poor character, and succumbing to laziness. In addition,
he told Sigala how to determine who was worthy of being considered a good friend. He said, “A good friend is constant. Whether you are
rich or poor, happy or sad, successful or unsuccessful, a good friend is one whose feelings for you do not waver. A good friend listens to
you and shares your sufferings. He shares his own joys and sorrows with you, while regarding your joys and sorrows as his own.”
The Buddha continued his Dharma talk by saying, “True happiness can be realized in this very life, especially when you observe the
following:
“1. Foster relations with people of virtue and avoid the path of degradation.
“2. Live in an environment that is conducive to spiritual practice and builds good character.
“3. Foster opportunities to learn more about the Dharma, the precepts, and your own trade in greater depth.
“4. Take the time to care well for your parents, spouse, and children.