Jesus' main dharma came in the form of questions, parables and a few large public sermons. Jesus' public ministry only lasted three years. Here, the 8 Happinesses, given in two completely different ways for you, They're also sometimes translated as 'blessed are' or 'march on' !

HAPPY ARE / SPLENDID ARE¹

The Poor

Happy are the poor² ~ theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Splendid are those who take sides with the poor; They are citizens of the Bright New World

The Meek

Happy are the meek³ ~ they will inherit the earth
Splendid are ...those who are gentle;The world will be safe in their hands.

Those who Mourn

Happy are those who mourn or weep ~ they will laugh / be comforted
Splendid are...those who grieve deeply over misfortunes; The more deeply they grieve, the stronger they become. Have you ever noticed how it is those who have been through suffering who are able to summon up compassion and comfort for others? Richard Rohr wrote recently that "If you learn how to enter into solidarity with human suffering when you are young, you will create humanity that makes it possible for you to smile when you are old. What a paradox."⁴ Jesus knew and taught a lot about suffering and the way out of suffering, which is why those who follow his dharma teachings sometimes talk about joy in their hearts, even at what seem like the darkest or strangest times.

Those who Hunger or Thirst [after Justice]

Happy are those who hunger and thirst [after justice] ~ they'll be filled / satisfied.
Splendid are...those who have a passion for justice: they will get things done. 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
Splendid are...those who make allowances for others: allowances will be made for them. 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 of Heart

Happy are the pure of heart ~ they will see God
Splendid are... those who seek the best for others and not themselves: They will have God for company.

The Peacemakers

Happy are the peacemakers ~ they will be called children of God
Splendid are... those who help enemies to be friends: They will be recognized as God's true children.

The Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake

Happy are the persecuted for seeking righteousness / justice ~ theirs is the Kingdom
Splendid are...those who have a rough time of it because they stand up for what is right: They too are citizens of the Bright New World.

Huh?

You'll find different versions of The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew (5:3-10)and in Luke (6:22). Luke's is shorter and more direct, and it reads like a social-justice prophet speaking about the poor and the hungry. Matthew is more spiritual, speaking to us more about a spiritual hunger. We've heard these eight happinesses so often, we've lost some of the jolt they must have had, up there on the mountaintop the first time the words were spoken. The happinesses have been condemned for various reasons... as calling on us to a life of non-violence, non-striving, forgiveness, and other non-traditional values. But they're actually a very authentic, intense teaching. Richard Rohr recently wrote recently that when you follow Jesus' 8 Happinesses, "when you can identify with the little ones, when you can make peace, when you can be persecuted and still be joyful; then you’re doing it right and are in heaven now! Jesus is saying 'This is what God looks like,' much more than, 'Do this and God will like you’.' Can you feel the difference?"⁵
...Think for yourself, and make up your own mind.

March on, you peacemakers,

March on, you mercifcul,

... you seekers after justice and righteousness!

March on! March on!

Yours is the kingdom of heaven

You will laugh, be comforted & satisfied

You will inherit the earth, obtain mercy, see God

You will be called ...
        sons & daughters of God

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¹'Splendid' beatitudes from Henson,John. Good as New: A Radical Retelling of the Scriptures, p118
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
⁵ibid: August 18, 2009.