In short: the Buddha taught that happiness follows good intentions "like a shadow that never leaves" (Dhammapada 2), and that it grows from contentment, kindness and peace rather than winning or owning. Here are nine genuine quotes on happiness from the Dhammapada, each with its verse number.
1. Dhammapada 2
"Intention is the leader of things; intention is first, they're made by intention. If with pure intent you speak or act, happiness follows you like a shadow that never leaves."
2. Dhammapada 197
"Let us live so very happily, loving among the hostile. Among hostile humans, let us live with love."
3. Dhammapada 201
"Victory breeds enmity; the defeated sleep badly. The peaceful sleep at ease, having left victory and defeat behind."
Winning and losing both disturb sleep; peace doesn't.
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4. Dhammapada 204
"Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth; trust is the ultimate family; extinguishment, the ultimate happiness."
5. Dhammapada 131
"Creatures love happiness, so if you harm them with a stick in search of your own happiness, after death you won't find happiness."
6. Dhammapada 132
"Creatures love happiness, so if you don't harm them with a stick in search of your own happiness, after death you will find happiness."
Harming no one is part of being happy.
7. Dhammapada 290
"If by giving up material happiness one sees abundant happiness, the attentive would give up material happiness, seeing the abundant happiness."
Giving up a small pleasure for a greater happiness.
8. Dhammapada 331
"A friend in need is a blessing; it's a blessing to be content with whatever; good deeds are a blessing at the end of life, and giving up all suffering is a blessing."
9. Dhammapada 205
"Having drunk the nectar of seclusion and the nectar of peace— free of stress, free of evil, drink the joyous nectar of truth."
All quotes are from the early Buddhist texts in Bhikkhu Sujato's translation on SuttaCentral, copied exactly. Last checked: 17 October 2026.
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Questions people ask
What did the Buddha say about happiness?
'If with pure intent you speak or act, happiness follows you like a shadow that never leaves' (Dhammapada 2). And 'contentment, the ultimate wealth' (Dhammapada 204).