温馨夜读II PART1 14.The Villager and the Happy Man（在线收听）

[00:00.87]14.The Villager and the Happy Man

[00:07.08]In a small village there lived a man who was always happy, kind, and well disposed to everyone he met.

[00:14.81]People knew they could count on him, and regarded him as a great friend.

[00:19.06]One of the villagers was curious to know what his secret was, how could he be always so kind and helpful?

[00:26.36]How is it that he held no grudge towards anyone and was always happy?

[00:31.26]Once, upon meeting him in the street he asked him: “Most people are selfish and unsatisfied.

[00:38.45]They do not smile as often as you do; neither are they as helpful or kind as you are.

[00:43.78]How do you explain it?”

[00:45.52]“When you make peace with yourself, then you can be in peace with the rest of the world.

[00:51.40]If you can recognize the spirit in yourself, you can recognize the spirit in everyone,

[00:57.28]and then you find it natural to be kind and well disposed to all.

[01:02.18]If your thoughts are under your control you become strong and firm.”

[01:06.87]“But a lot of work is necessary.

[01:09.69]The work is difficult and endless.

[01:12.53]There are many walls that need to be climbed.

[01:15.25]It is not an easy task.” Lamented the villager.

[01:18.41]“Do not think about the difficulties, otherwise that’s what you will see and experience.

[01:26.57]Just quieten your feelings and thoughts and try to stay in this peace.

[01:31.25]All the abilities and powers awaken spontaneously.”

[01:35.73]“Is that all?” Asked the villager.

[01:38.66]“Try to watch your thoughts and see how they come and go.

[01:43.02]Stay in the quietness that arises.

[01:46.18]The moments of peace will be brief at first, but in time they will get longer.

[01:51.62]This peace is also strength, power, kindness, and love.”

[01:56.85]“I will try to remember your words,” said the villager and continued,

[02:02.40]“There is another thing that I am curious about.

[02:05.34]You do not seem to be influenced by the environment.

[02:08.61]You have a kind word to everyone and are helpful.

[02:11.55]Yet people do not exploit your goodness, and they treat you well.”

[02:15.25]“Goodness and being kind do not necessarily point to weakness.

[02:19.83]When you are good you can also be strong.

[02:22.89]People sense your strength and do not impose on you.

[02:26.72]You then act from strength and not from weakness.

[02:29.89]Goodness can also go with power and strength, it is not a sign of weakness as some people erroneously think.”

[02:37.66]“Thank you very much for your advice”, said the villager and went away happy and satisfied.