Once, the Blessed One was staying in a forest in the Kosala country. At that time, a Brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan had lost fourteen bulls. While searching for the bulls, this Brahmin came to the forest and saw the Blessed One sitting there, cross-legged, with his body erect, focusing on his breathing. Upon seeing this, the Brahmin approached the Blessed One and, when near, spoke these verses:

"This ascetic surely doesn't have fourteen bulls,

It's been sixty days since they were last seen, so this ascetic is very happy.

This ascetic surely doesn't have weeds in his sesame field,

Single-leaf or double-leaf (weeds), so this ascetic is very happy.

This ascetic surely doesn't have mice in an empty storehouse,

Dancing in groups, so this ascetic is very happy.

This ascetic surely doesn't have bedsheets unchanged for seven months,

Covered with fleas, so this ascetic is very happy.

This ascetic surely doesn't have seven widowed daughters,

Some with one child, some with two, so this ascetic is very happy.

This ascetic surely doesn't have a yellow-eyed, freckled wife,

Who wakes him up with a kick, so this ascetic is very happy.

This ascetic surely doesn't have creditors coming at dawn,

Pressing, saying 'Give money, give money', so this ascetic is very happy."

The Blessed One replied:

"Brahmin, indeed I don't have fourteen bulls,

It's been sixty days since they were last seen, so I am very happy.

Brahmin, indeed I don't have weeds in a sesame field,

Single-leaf or double-leaf (weeds), so I am very happy.

Brahmin, indeed I don't have mice in an empty storehouse,

Dancing in groups, so I am very happy.

Brahmin, indeed I don't have bedsheets unchanged for seven months,

Covered with fleas, so I am very happy.

Brahmin, indeed I don't have seven widowed daughters,

Some with one child, some with two, so I am very happy.

Brahmin, indeed I don't have a yellow-eyed, freckled wife,

Who wakes me up with a kick, so I am very happy.

Brahmin, indeed I don't have creditors coming at dawn,

Pressing, saying 'Give money, give money', so I am very happy."

Having heard these words, the Brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan said to the Blessed One: "Wonderful, Master Gotama! Wonderful! It's as if someone were to set upright what was overturned, to reveal what was hidden, to show the way to one who was lost, or to carry a lamp into the dark so that those with eyes could see forms. In the same way, Master Gotama has made the Dhamma clear in many ways. I go for refuge to Master Gotama, to the Dhamma, and to the Sangha of bhikkhus. May I receive the going forth under Master Gotama, may I receive the full admission?"

The Brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan received the going forth under the Blessed One, and he received the full admission. Not long after his full admission, the Venerable Bhāradvāja, dwelling alone, withdrawn, diligent, ardent, and resolute, in no long time reached and remained in the supreme goal of the holy life for which clansmen rightly go forth from home into homelessness, knowing and realizing it for himself in the here and now. He understood: "Birth is ended, the holy life fulfilled, the task done. There is nothing further for this world." And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the arahants.

This article profoundly expounds on the Buddhist view of the nature of happiness and the contrast between material and spiritual pursuits. Let's analyze the wisdom within it:

1. Contrast between material and spiritual:

The seven "troubles" listed by the Brahmin are common problems in secular life, involving property, farming, family, and debt. This reflects ordinary people's attachment to material life and the troubles arising from it.

2. The nature of happiness:

The Buddha's answer reveals that true happiness does not lie in having something, but in not being troubled by these external things. This embodies the core Buddhist ideas of "non-self" and "non-attachment".

3. Change of perspective:

The Brahmin originally thought that not having these troubles was the reason for happiness, but the Buddha's answer implies a deeper truth: true happiness comes from inner peace and transcendence.

4. The virtue of simple living:

The Buddha's answer also reflects the value of simple living. Not being bound by material and secular relationships can instead bring true freedom and happiness.

5. The power of enlightenment:

The Brahmin ultimately takes refuge and becomes a monk, showing how the words and actions of an enlightened one can influence and change the lives of others.

6. The goal of practice:

The article's final description of the Brahmin becoming an Arahant embodies the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice - liberation from afflictions and transcendence of life and death.

This story prompts us to think deeply: In modern society, are we also often troubled by various external "afflictions"? Do we build happiness on having or avoiding certain things, while neglecting inner peace and freedom? Where does true happiness and satisfaction really come from?

This story inspires us that true happiness does not come from changes in external conditions, but from a transformation of inner attitude. It encourages us to reflect on our lifestyle and value pursuits, and to consider how to maintain inner tranquility and detachment in busy modern life.

At the same time, this story also reminds us that everyone has the potential to reach a high spiritual state through correct guidance and personal effort. It inspires us to seek true meaning and value in daily life, rather than being troubled by superficial gains and losses.

In this era of material abundance but often spiritual poverty, this ancient wisdom is particularly precious and important. It invites us to re-examine our lives and seek truly lasting happiness and satisfaction.