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.

The images you see above are part of a beautiful powerpoint presentation, to see the whole presentation, click here.

Text Adapted from East and West Series, July 2006

- Heart2Heart Team