One day a young Buddhist on his journey home, came to the banks of a wide river. Staring hopelessly at the great obstacle in front of him, he pondered for hours on just how to cross such a wide barrier. Just as he was about to give up his pursuit to continue his journey he saw a great teacher on the other side of the river. The young Buddhist yells over to the teacher "Oh wise one, can you tell me how to get to the other side of this river"?

The teacher ponders for a moment looks up and down the river and yells back "My son, you are on the other side"

To laugh often and much, To win the respect of intelligent people, And the affection of children, To earn the appreciation of honest critics And endure the betrayal of false friends, To appreciate beauty, To find the best in others, To leave the world a bit better, Whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, Or a redeemed social condition, To know that even one life has breathed Better because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.