Observe carefully: the various unwholesome habits that people carry within them — where did they come from? Consider drinking and intoxication, late-night carousing, gambling, and all manner of harmful conduct. Did fathers, mothers, teachers, and mentors ever teach or encourage such things? The answer is no.

All of these were acquired through friends — a little from this person, a little from that. Once we become infected with these seeds of unwholesomeness, we bring to bear upon them all the knowledge and capability we have diligently studied and cultivated — and the result is that we become even more deeply entrenched in wrongdoing than the very friends who led us astray in the first place.

Therefore, the Sammāsambuddha taught that the first step on the path to success in life is the non-association with the foolish and the wicked: “Asevanā ca bālānaṃ etam maṅgalam uttamaṃ” — the non-association with the foolish is a supreme blessing. This, indeed, is the very first of the Auspicious Blessings.

October 6^th, 2019

The fool takes fault-finding in others as his source of strength. The power of the fool lies in finding fault — this person is no good, that person is no good, deficient in this way, deficient in that way — so it goes with everyone around them. The fool habitually finds fault with others. The wise person, by contrast, habitually examines themselves. They strive to correct themselves first and foremost.

The fool, being intent on finding fault with others, sets out to correct everyone in the world — with the sole exception of themselves. This is a truth that humanity has consistently overlooked.

April 30^th, 2014

And if, in those earliest stages of learning, one comes to know wrongly and to understand incorrectly from the very outset, this is a matter of grave danger. Wrong knowledge and wrong understanding become a source of harm throughout the entirety of one’s life. Such is the peril of a mistaken beginning.

But if one comes to know correctly and to understand rightly from the very outset, then every breath one draws from that point forward is a gain. It is here, therefore, that the profound power of teachers and mentors begins. With a good teacher, one is saved. Without one — with a poor teacher — there is nothing but harm and setback at every turn. It is for this reason that teachers hold a value of the highest order for all of humanity.

February 6^th, 2016

Dhamma sermon performed for teachers, Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima Province July 30^th, 2017

1. The Exploiter — one who takes advantage of others for personal gain
2. The Empty Talker — one who is full of words yet void of action
3. The Flatterer — one who offers insincere praise and hollow agreement
4. The Corruptor — one who leads others toward ruin and moral degradation

True Friends comprise four types:

1. The Helpful Friend — one who offers genuine assistance and support
2. The Steadfast Friend — one who shares in both joy and suffering alike
3. The Counsel-giving Friend — one who offers wise and beneficial guidance
4. The Affectionate Friend — one who acts with sincere love and goodwill

The qualities of a True Friend are as follows:

• The Helpful Friend has the courage to serve as a refuge and a source of support for those in need.
• The Steadfast Friend has the courage to sacrifice even their own life for the sake of a companion.
• The Counsel-giving Friend has the courage to speak words that may displease, yet serve to awaken mindfulness — and when such counsel is offered, it must be received with humility and acceptance.
• The Affectionate Friend has the courage to come forward and stand in defence of their companion.

Should we keep the company of virtuous individuals, we are afforded the opportunity to absorb their wholesome habits and moral conduct. However, should we choose to befriend those of unwholesome character, the influence of their ill dispositions will gradually pervade our minds, leading us astray and diminishing our virtue — to our detriment alone.

Therefore, the choosing of one’s companions and associates is a matter of the utmost importance, requiring careful reflection and discernment. One would do well to hold dear the admonishing proverb: “Keep company with the foolish, and they shall lead you toward wrongdoing; keep company with the wise, and they shall guide you toward fruition.”

October 29^th, 2019