Jesus' main dharma came in the form of questions, parables and a few large public sermons. Jesus' public ministry only lasted three years. Here, from the Sermon on the Mount, are the Eight Happinesses, Jesus' mysterious roadmap to deep joy. They're sometimes translated as blessed are, but also splendid are, happy are, or even march on!¹

HAPPY ARE...

The Poor in Spirit

Happy are the Poor in Spirit² ~ Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
This isn't about self-abasement or desiring either poverty or riches. It's about a lack of pridefulness, and open availability to God's grace.

Those who Mourn

Happy are those who Mourn ~ They will be Comforted
Is Jesus talking about our own suffering, which allows us to grow in compassion for others, or is Jesus talking about mourning the state of the world? Jesus knew and taught a lot about suffering and the way out of suffering, which is why those who follow his dharma teachings write about deep joy, even at what seem like the darkest or strangest times.

The Meek

Happy are the Meek³ ~ They will Inherit the Earth
This isn't about being a pushover. Meekness means "strength under control." Blessed are those who've got their strength under control, and can be counted on. These are the people who should be in charge.

Those who Hunger or Thirst after Justice

Happy are Those who Hunger and Thirst after Justice ~ They'll be Satisfied.
What does this mean? Jesus knew the realities of his day were unjust. Could it be that Jesus is pointing to a deeper truth? Could Jesus be saying that, by continually hungering after justice, you will find a deep satisfaction in your life? Your sangha may notice, after a while of delving into Jesus' dharma teachings, a growing discomfort with the status quo... find out how to walk the sangha path.

The Merciful

Happy are the Merciful ~ They will Find Mercy
Jesus often spoke of divine parallels. For example, in The Lord's Prayer, we can expect to be forgiven inasmuch as we ourselves forgive others. Here is another parallel: we are merciful, and we ourselves are shown mercy. Jesus doesn't say if this mercy is experienced during our lifetime, or afterwards. If you'd like to kindle a sense of loving kindness and mercy, just in order to feel better yourself, check out our metta page.

The Pure in Heart

Happy are the Pure in Heart ~ They will See God
Seeing God! What a promise! Moses hadn't even seen God's face (just God's backside), and Job had only heard God's voice. To see God, be pure in heart. How to accomplish this? "trust in the Lord with ALL your heart" (Proverbs 3:5). God purifies the heart through faith.

Peacemakers

Happy are the Peacemakers ~ They will be Called Children of God
Be mindful of your speech, your actions. Anyone who helps heal division, who helps enemies to be friends, who works towards a just peace, will be recognized as a child of God.

The Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake

Happy are Those who are Persecuted in the Cause of what is Just or Right ~ Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
Standing up for what you know to be right, knowing the consequences, is a splended, honorable thing. We love to remember individuals who have changed the world by doing just that. It's not just the big names, it's everyone who joined them in the "good fight." When you do that, yours is the kingdom of heaven.

A Ninth?

There's a ninth 'happiness' that is similar to the eighth: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." So, Jesus is saying that he realizes that being his follower means going against the ways of the world, and can get you into some hot water, too. It's really scary, being a "Jesus freak" in some parts of the world. And it's not hip, in others. Just saying...

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References
¹'Splendid' was used by John Henson, in Good as New: A Radical Retelling of the Scriptures, p118. Fr. John Dear has used "march on."
²Aramaic 'ányâ (Hebrew 'anî), bent down, afflicted, miserable, poor
³Aramaic 'ánwan (Hebrew 'ánaw), bending oneself down, humble, meek, gentle
⁴Father Richard Rohr Daily email Meditations, Center for Action and Contemplation, cacradicalgrace.org, August 12, 2009. See also the related email from August 18th.