Whatever one comes to know — having received the information and reflected upon it carefully, whether from texts, scriptures, or any other source — it is not enough simply to have heard or come to know something.
If speaking of it would increase demerit and diminish merit, the Buddha instructed that it should not be passed on. I would ask that this serve as a point of reflection for all of us as well. In this age of those who press and click without hesitation — and who now not only share but photograph as well — let this be borne in mind: even when one has taken a photograph with one’s own hand, one must still carefully examine whether what has been captured is accurate and true. Even if one has photographed it directly oneself, one must still consider — if it is passed on and shared further, will demerit increase or diminish? Will merit increase or diminish? Whatever ought not to be passed on, simply do not pass it on. Refrain entirely — if demerit will increase as a result.
Dream in Dream Kindergarten, Wat Phra Dhammakaya, February 23rd, 2015
