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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. | 
