A Sacred Charm Against Harm
“Do we yet have something that, whenever we bring it to mind, fills our heart with joy?” On the subject of joy, our forebears also taught that every person born into this world must find a way to have something…
Dhamma Categories Principles of Decision-Making and Mental Training
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
A Joyful Heart is the Uplifter of the Mind
Our forebears have advised that if we wish our minds to think well, speak well, and act well throughout the entire day, we must seek out a source of joy — from the very moment we rise each morning, we…
A Troubled Mind is the Gateway to Unwholesome Karma
Each day of our lives, we are faced with countless matters that occupy our thoughts, and more often than not, these cause our minds to become clouded and disturbed. As Buddhists, we must therefore continually remind ourselves that we are…
When We and Our Surroundings Are Unclean, the Mind Wanders Outward
“What is remarkable is this: the more unclean we ourselves or our surroundings are, the more the mind refuses to remain within — it races outward entirely.” One may wake in the morning in fine spirits and a pleasant mood,…
What Principle Should Guide Our Judgement of Good and Evil?
The more refined our mind becomes, the more clearly, we are able to perceive both good and evil — for the discernment of good from evil is itself a matter of great refinement, and must be developed gradually through training.…
How Are Good and Evil to Be Judged?
Good and evil cannot be measured by any instrument or weighed by any scale — so how then are they to be judged? The Fully Enlightened Lord Buddha therefore proclaimed: “Whatever kamma one performs and need not suffer remorse afterward…
Do What Leaves No Regrets Afterwards
“If there is something you can do without remorse afterward, do it — for it is good.” “If there is something you would regret afterward, do it not — for it is evil.” If what you do requires no remorse…
See Both Gain and Loss
When about to undertake any action, do not perceive only what is to be gained — one must also perceive what is to be lost and the dangers that will follow. Only then should a judgment be made as to…
How Does One Judge What Is Appropriate and What Is Not?
There was once a monk who went to ask the Venerable Sāriputta: how does one judge what is appropriate and what is not? Right and wrong, good and evil, one can discern reasonably well according to the Dhamma and Vinaya…
