NOT always greener on the other side | by Ajahn Brahmavamso | 27 April 2012

"Once there was a frugal farmer who tried to feed his cows with mouldy hay and the cows wouldn't eat it. The farmer then mixed up the mouldy hay with fresh hay hoping to trick the cows into eating the mouldy hay. The cows separated the hay and ate only the fresh hay. The farmer came up with an idea.  He put the mouldy hay on the other side of the fence but it was within the reach of the cows if they pushed through the holes in the fence. That was exactly what happened. The cows reached out and ate all the mouldy hay....."

Like cows, we often have the notion that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. This gives rise to jealousy, envy and in turn, suffering.

According to Ajahn Brahm, we need to change our attitude towards life. Statistics show that the optimal happiness one can achieve in life is not measured by immense wealth, great beauty, high flying careers or social standing.  According to Buddhist teaching, it is the middle way that counts. Embrace your 'average' circumstance and enjoy the experience.