Once, there was a man who had been kind and helpful during his life, so after death, he ascended to heaven and became an angel. Even as an angel, he frequently returned to the mortal world to aid others, hoping to experience the essence of happiness through their joy.
One day, he met a farmer who looked very distressed. The farmer said to the angel, "My water buffalo just died. Without its help to plow the fields, how can I farm?" So, the angel granted him a strong water buffalo. The farmer was overjoyed, and the angel felt the scent of happiness from him.
Another day, he met a man who was very depressed. The man told the angel, "All my money was swindled away, and I don't even have enough money to return home." Thus, the angel gave him some silver for his journey. The man was very happy, and the angel again felt the scent of happiness from him.
On another day, he met a poet. The poet was young, handsome, talented, and wealthy, and his wife was beautiful and gentle, yet he was not happy. The angel asked, "Why are you unhappy? Can I help you?" The poet replied, "I have everything, except for one thing. Can you give it to me?" The angel answered, "Yes, I can give you anything you want." The poet looked straight at the angel and said, "What I want is happiness." This stumped the angel. After thinking for a moment, the angel said, "I understand." Then, he took away everything the poet owned. The angel took away the poet's talent, ruined his appearance, seized his wealth, and took his wife's life. After doing all this, the angel departed.
A month later, the angel returned to the poet. At that time, he was starving and lying on the ground, struggling in tattered clothes. So, the angel gave him back everything he had, and then departed again.
Half a month later, the angel went to visit the poet again. This time, the poet was holding his wife and repeatedly thanking the angel. Because, he had finally found happiness.
Happiness is not about acquiring or obtaining what you do not have, but about cherishing what you already possess. These things are always by your side; as long as you can carefully savor and cherish them, happiness will follow you like a shadow.
