Monk & Koi conversations 4

The Koi came back one morning at the break of dawn. He looked up at the Monk and asked him “What is true happiness, Monk?”

The Monk remained silent for a while, then answered the fish with a smile

“Koi, happiness is greeting both sadness and happiness the same way. As two friends who will meet you and leave just as fast as they come.”

He paused and continued “When we can befriend them with equanimity, that is true happiness.”

The koi swam away slowly soaking in the simple thought.