Archives Dhamma 102
AllChoosing Virtuous Friends and AssociatesEmotional IntelligenceIntegrity in Conduct and the Principles of Wholesome SpeechMerit-Making and Unwholesome KammaMiscellaneousPrinciples of Decision-Making and Mental TrainingPrinciples of Self-Care in Times of Illness and the Preservation of One's PossessionsProfessional Advancement for Both Superiors and SubordinatesRespect and EmpathyThe Art of AdmonishmentThe Benefits of Propagating BuddhismThe Development of Good HabitsThe Development of Knowledge Alongside VirtueThe Resolute Cultivation of Wholesome ConductThe Role of the Family as a Kalyāṇamitta (Virtuous Friend) Toward Children
Hold Firmly to Principle — Let Correctness Be the Foundation
Whatever we are about to do, as Buddhists, every thought we think, every action we take, and every word we speak must be grounded in a firm adherence to sound principles. This must be clear: do not allow emotion to…
Where Do Ogres Come From?
Originally, ogres were people just like us — but with one significant flaw: they were prone to anger and irritability, and even when performing acts of merit, they did so with ill temper and fluctuating moods. For example, one might…
The Mind Likened to the Earth
The mind likened to the earth — for the minds of most people do not resemble the earth at all, but rather resemble wax held over a flame: soft and yielding. The Sammāsambuddha once spoke to the Venerable Rāhula on…
Training to Endure Conflict and to Endure Defilement
Training to endure sun and rain is a minor matter. What must be trained in far more earnestly is the endurance of conflict with others and the endurance of one’s own defilements — these are considerably more difficult. Being scolded…
The Envious Person Cannot Bear to See Others Prosper
Envy is the condition in which, upon seeing another person fare well, one feels displeased and wishes to see that person’s downfall — unable to bear the sight of another’s good fortune. Such people do exist in this world. Therefore,…
Allowing the Mind to Become Clouded Leads to Self-Indulgence
Habitually allowing the mind to become clouded by various emotions will cause a person to become self-indulgent — unwilling to listen to reason and unwilling to heed anyone. This in turn gives rise to a tendency to find fault with…
Five Ways of Thinking to Maintain Mindfulness and Overcome the Fear of Death
1. Before death comes, what goodness have you left behind for future generations? 2. Since birth, have you come to know which of your habits are unwholesome and which are wholesome? Which unwholesome habits have you managed to correct? 3.…
Fear of Dying Without Mindfulness — What Should One Do?
Those who think only of remaining alive in order to do good have nothing to be anxious about. First, remind yourself: death is inevitable regardless — whether it comes sooner or later is another matter entirely. If death were to…
A Mistake Is Not the Same as Evil
Where does the difference between a mistake and evil lie? A mistake arises from ignorance, or from knowing yet acting carelessly or inadvertently — and so the error occurs. But a mistake is not evil; the two must be clearly…
