English Original
Once upon a time, a wealthy nobleman realized that the suffering of old age spares neither rich nor poor. He renounced his wealth and status, retreating to the forest to live as a monk. Through meditation, he purified his mind, freed himself from unwholesome thoughts, and found contentment. His serene and friendly nature gradually attracted 500 followers.
Among the monks, who were often serious, one always wore a gentle smile. No matter the circumstance, a glimmer of inner happiness never left him. When asked about his constant joy, he would chuckle and reply, "If I told you, you wouldn't believe me! And if you thought I spoke a lie, it would dishonor my master." The wise master, understanding the source of this unwavering happiness, appointed him as his chief assistant.
One year, after the rainy season, the old master and his followers visited the city. The king, a conscientious ruler burdened by state affairs, rivalries, and constant worries, allowed them to stay in his pleasure garden. As summer neared and the monks prepared to return to the forest, the king, concerned for the aging master's health, urged him to stay behind. The master agreed, sending his 500 followers back under the leadership of his chief assistant.
The assistant continued his meditation in the forest, attaining even greater wisdom and peace. Missing his master, he returned to the city for a visit. Sitting at his master's feet, he seldom spoke but would periodically exclaim, "What happiness! Oh what happiness!"
When the king arrived to pay his respects, the visiting monk continued his joyful exclamations without acknowledging the king. Offended, the king complained to the old master, suggesting the monk was foolish from overeating. The master explained, "Oh king, have patience. He was once a king as mighty as you. He renounced that life to become a monk. Now, free from the burdens of protecting wealth and wielding power, guarded by wisdom and inner peace found in meditation, he experiences a joy so profound he cannot help but express it. His past happiness is nothing compared to this."
The king understood immediately. The story brought him peace. After receiving advice from both monks, he honored them and returned to his palace. Later, the happy monk paid his respects and returned to the forest. The old master lived out his days and, upon his death, was reborn in a heavenly realm.
The moral is: Detachment from wealth and power increases happiness.
中文翻译
从前，一位富有的贵族意识到，老年的痛苦对贫富一视同仁。他舍弃了财富与地位，隐居森林成为一名僧人。通过冥想，他净化了内心，摆脱了不健康的杂念，找到了满足。他宁静友善的性情逐渐吸引了500名追随者。
在通常神情严肃的僧众中，有一位总是面带微笑。无论发生什么，他内心的喜悦之光从未熄灭。当被问及为何总是如此快乐时，他会轻声笑道：“如果我告诉你，你不会相信的！如果你认为我在说谎，那将是对我师父的侮辱。”智慧的师父明白这永恒快乐的源泉，任命他为首座弟子。
有一年，雨季过后，老师父和他的追随者们造访了城市。国王是一位勤政的统治者，为国事、权谋和无穷的忧虑所累，他允许僧众住在他的御花园中。夏日临近，僧众准备返回森林，国王担心年迈师父的健康，劝他留下。师父同意了，让他500名追随者在首座弟子的带领下返回森林。
这位弟子在森林中继续冥想，获得了更大的智慧与平静。因思念师父，他回城探望。他坐在师父脚边的毯子上，很少说话，只是不时地感叹：“何等快乐！哦，何等快乐！”
当国王前来致敬时，这位来访的僧人继续他的快乐感叹，没有向国王致意。国王感到被冒犯，向老师父抱怨，暗示这僧人是不是吃饱了犯傻。师父解释道：“哦，国王，请耐心听。他曾是一位与你一样强大的国王。他舍弃了那种生活，成为僧人。如今，他摆脱了守护财富、行使权力的重负，在冥想中获得智慧与内心的平静作为护卫，他体验到的喜悦如此深刻，情不自禁地表达出来。他过去的快乐与此相比不值一提。”
国王立刻明白了。这个故事让他内心平静下来。在得到两位僧人的建议后，他礼敬他们，返回了宫殿。后来，那位快乐的僧人辞别师父，回到了森林。老师父度过了余生，去世后往生天界。
寓意是： 放下对财富与权力的执着，快乐自会增长。