The True Value of Happiness: Lessons from a King’s Story and a Parental Conversation
Once upon a time, there was a king who had everything he desired in life, except for one essential thing: happiness. One day, while taking a walk in his beautiful garden, the king stumbled upon a worker who was diligently working and humbly singing songs. The king was quite perplexed. Despite being the king of this entire kingdom, he couldn't comprehend why he wasn't happier than the worker who seemed content with his simple life.
Discovering the Root of Happiness
The king’s confounded inquiries led him to his minister, who promptly revealed the truth: the worker’s happiness came from a genuine love for what he did, and not from any external rewards. The worker found joy in the process rather than solely in the outcome of his labor.
Determined to understand this concept, the king joined the worker at home one evening. The worker casually noticed a bag hanging on the door and immediately became distressed when he discovered it contained 99 gold coins. Overwhelmed and agitated, the worker meticulously counted the coins, but to his dismay, one coin was missing.
Desperate to locate the missing coin, the worker searched tirelessly in his home and beyond. Despite his exhaustive efforts, he couldn't find it. Eventually, he decided to pursue it through hard work, even dragging his family into his relentless pursuit. His thoughts were consumed by the missing coin, making him unhappy with every moment of work until he found it. This pursuit had a profound impact on his contentment and well-being.
A Sad and Lost Soul
The king, upon witnessing the worker’s state, hailed him as a sad soul. The minister explained, 'When someone is solely focused on gaining external rewards, they miss the true essence of happiness. Only when one engages in activities they love, will they achieve a state of contentment that no one else can imagine.'
Insights from Personal Experience
In 2018, during a trip to a festival fair, I stumbled upon a fascinating conversation. A husband and wife, both in their late 60s, shared a compelling story. They had no family and were selling handmade woodwork to earn a living. Despite their efforts being driven by necessity, they showed unwavering respect and love for their customers.
A customer attempted to negotiate the price of one of their handmade items. The couple refused, saying they valued the smiles on their customers' faces more than money. Moved by their sincerity, I expressed my gratitude for their honesty. However, I left the shop with a heavy heart. A few hours later, shocked to find them still there, the couple implored me to buy one of their creations, promising to remember them whenever I saw it.
Unable to purchase the item immediately, I made a promise to return the next day. The next day, I found the couple and bought a beautiful handmade item. We exchanged pleasantries, and they blessed me with their wisdom. ‘Never leave your parents alone when they need you. They are doing a lot of things for you, but when they need you, just leave them alone. Give respect and love to all, and it will come back to you from others,’ they said.
Lessons from the Stories
Both the king’s story and the old couple’s confession offer invaluable insights. It’s crucial to focus on the process rather than the outcome. When you love what you do, happiness and fulfillment follow naturally. Conversely, chasing external rewards can lead to stress and dissatisfaction.
Happiness is also about showing love, respect, and gratitude to those around you. When we prioritize these values, we create a positive impact that ripples everywhere. In the long run, this conscious effort towards love and care brings happiness that no material possession can match.
In conclusion, the true value of happiness lies in our willingness to seek joy in our work and to show kindness and respect to the people in our lives. By internalizing these lessons, we can cultivate a more fulfilling and contented life.