Ārogya Parama Labhā:

 Ārogya Parama Labhā: 

The Buddha’s Teaching on Health, Contentment, Friendship, and Nirvana

Among the many verses in the Dhammapada, one of the most beloved and practical is this simple teaching:

“Ārogya parama lābhā,

Santuṭṭhi paramaṃ dhanaṃ,

Vissāsā paramā ñāti,

Nibbānaṃ paramaṃ sukhaṃ.”

In English, this means:

• Health is the greatest gain.
• Contentment is the greatest wealth.
• A trustworthy friend is the best relative.
• Nirvana is the highest bliss.

Ārogya Parama Labhā – Health is the Greatest Gain

The Buddha begins by reminding us that the greatest gain in life is not wealth, fame, or possessions, but health. Without health, even the richest person cannot enjoy their fortune. Without health, our opportunities and freedom become limited.

Health here means not only physical health but also mental well-being. A body free from disease and a mind free from restlessness are both forms of true wealth.

In modern times, we spend much energy chasing external success while often neglecting our health. Long hours, stress, unhealthy food, and lack of rest slowly weaken us. The Buddha’s reminder is simple: care for the body and mind first, for they are the foundation of the path to peace.

Practical reflections:

• Practice mindfulness of the body — listen to what it needs.
• Eat moderately, not for craving but for strength.
• Rest well and balance work with relaxation.
• Care for your mind with meditation, reducing stress and worry.

When health is preserved, all other aspects of life become easier. Truly, health is the greatest gain.

Santuṭṭhi Paramaṃ Dhanaṃ – Contentment is the Greatest Wealth

The second line teaches us about contentment (santuṭṭhi). No matter how much money or property we collect, if we are never satisfied, we will feel poor. But if we cultivate contentment, even with little, we will feel rich.

Contentment does not mean laziness or lack of ambition. It means knowing how much is enough. It is the wisdom to enjoy life without being enslaved by endless craving.

The Buddha often praised the quality of santuṭṭhi. Monks were encouraged to be content with simple robes, alms food, and shelter. For lay people, contentment means appreciating what we already have — our home, family, and small blessings — instead of constantly comparing ourselves to others.

Practical reflections:

• Pause and practice gratitude daily.
• Reduce unnecessary desires that bring stress.
• Buy less but with mindfulness, choosing what is truly needed.
• Remember: craving is endless, but contentment brings peace.

In a consumer-driven world, contentment is revolutionary. It makes us realize: the greatest wealth is not found in possessions, but in a contented heart.

Vissāsā Paramā Ñāti – A Trustworthy Friend is the Best Relative

The third teaching turns our attention to relationships. The Buddha said that a trustworthy friend is more valuable than even relatives. Why? Because true friendship is based not on blood ties but on trust, loyalty, and support.

We may be surrounded by many people, but if we cannot trust them, we feel alone. On the other hand, even a single trustworthy friend can give us strength, guidance, and comfort in difficult times.

In Buddhism, this idea connects to the importance of kalyāṇa-mitta — spiritual friends who encourage us in the path of wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness. The Buddha himself said: “Admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable comradeship is actually the whole of the holy life.”

Practical reflections:

• Value friends who encourage kindness and truth.
• Be a trustworthy friend yourself — one who others can rely on.
• Reduce time with those who spread gossip, anger, or greed.
• Remember that friendship is not about quantity, but quality.

True friendship is one of the greatest blessings in life. A trustworthy friend is the best relative, because they stand with us not only in happiness but also in hardship.

Nibbānaṃ Paramaṃ Sukhaṃ – Nirvana is the Highest Bliss

Finally, the verse rises to the highest teaching: Nirvana (Nibbāna). Even health, wealth, and friendship are subject to change. Our bodies grow old, possessions fade, and even loved ones eventually part from us.

But Nirvana is beyond change. It is the cessation of craving and suffering, the state of true peace and liberation. The Buddha described it as the supreme happiness — not a temporary pleasure, but a timeless freedom.

For ordinary people, this may seem far away. But every step of mindfulness, kindness, and letting go brings us closer. Each time we release anger, greed, or attachment, we taste a small part of Nirvana.

Practical reflections:

• Remember impermanence in all things.
• Practice meditation to calm the mind and see reality clearly.
• Walk the Eightfold Path step by step.
• See Nirvana not as distant, but as something we touch each time we let go.

Ultimately, Nirvana is the highest bliss because it is freedom from the cycle of suffering. It is the destination of the Way of Nirvana.

Conclusion: The Four Greatest Treasures

This simple verse from the Dhammapada is like a compass, pointing us to the real treasures of life:

• Health – the foundation of all practice.
• Contentment – the wealth that no one can steal.
• True Friendship – the support we all need.
• Nirvana – the ultimate peace beyond suffering.

In a world chasing material wealth and restless pleasures, the Buddha gently reminds us of what truly matters. These are not just words from an ancient scripture — they are practical truths for modern life.

May we all care for our health, find joy in contentment, value true friends, and step by step walk toward Nirvana, the highest bliss.