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Living Happily in Peace and Joy
Mr. Anathapindika – also known as Sudatta, the supporter of orphans and the destitute – was a wealthy merchant with a compassionate heart, who offered a monastery and became a close disciple of the Buddha. In the “Discourse to the Layperson,” the Buddha taught the four recollections (body, feelings, mind, objects of mind) and the five precepts in order to attain happiness right in the “present moment” (dwelling happily in the present moment), as demonstrated by the families of Anathapindika and Shariputra, who always enjoyed perfect peace and happiness.
When Anathapindika was on his deathbed, Shariputra – together with Ananda – guided him through a process to help a dying person pass away peacefully:
- The three recollections: recollection of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha
- Contemplation of the six sense organs and six sense objects (eye–form, ear–sound…mind–objects of mind) as mere manifestations, not self
- Contemplation of the four elements (earth, water, fire, air) inside and outside as conditions for manifestation
- Realization of interdependent co-arising (no coming, no going, no birth, no death)
By “watering the seeds of happiness” through recalling joyful memories and maintaining mindful breathing, Anathapindika, the Bordeaux student with his mother, and even Alfred Hassler were able to pass away peacefully, with a gentle smile. Practice today, so that you can help yourself and support your loved ones in the moment of dying.
