Article April 15, 2002 Issue

HAPPINESS that comes with a GUARANTEE

By Margaret Rogers

One of my favorite stories teaches something about the kind of happiness that can't be taken away.

An old Hindu myth tells about two disciples who were praying by the road one day when they met a messenger from the heavenly world. They asked him to please inquire of the Lord when they would attain enlightenment, or full liberation and joy. The messenger left and returned with the answer.

He told the first disciple that he was not far from his goal. After a few more lifetimes, he would realize perfection. The disciple was very unhappy. He protested that he had been very faithful and should be closer to liberation than that!