"Discourse on Happiness", translated by Thich Nhat Hanh, read by Brother Duc Khiem.

When people went to the Buddha and asked how to live a happy life, the Buddha shared this teaching on what a wholesome way of living might mean. By doing the following, the Buddha said, one will water the seeds of happiness: by associating with the wise, by choosing a good environment, by continuing to learn and honing one’s skills, by caring for one’s family and friends, by not consuming intoxicants and avoiding unwholesome actions, by practising generosity, humility, contentment and gratitude, by staying contact with monastics and participating in Dharma discussions, by practicing with the Four Noble Truths, and dwelling in peace, not overcome by sorrows.

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I heard these words of the Buddha one time when the Lord was living in the vicinity of Savatthi at the Anathapindika Monastery in the Jeta Grove. Late at night, a deva appeared whose light and beauty made the whole Jeta Grove shine radiantly. After paying respects to the Buddha, the deva asked him a question in the form of a verse:

“Many gods and men are eager to know

what are the greatest blessings

which bring about a peaceful and happy life.

Please, Tathagata, will you teach us?”

(This is the Buddha’s answer):

“Not to be associated with the foolish ones,

to live in the company of wise people,

honoring those who are worth honoring -