Buddhism is not a melancholy religion

“Some people think that Buddhism is a dark and melancholy religion.  It is not so; it will make its followers bright and cheerful.  When we read the birth stories of Bodhisatva, the future Buddha, we learn how He cultivated the Perfection of patience and forbearance.  It will help us to be cheerful even in the midst of great troubles and to take delight in other's welfare.”

Ven. Nanatiloka, a German Buddhist Scholar