Gains, honours and fame
“Truly dangerous are gains, honours and fame. Concerning this, I have known a man, reading his mind, who even for the sake of a golden bowl filled with silver nuggets would not deliberately tell a lie. That same man have…
Category Buddha Vacana
In-and-out breathing
“This intent concentration on in-and-out breathing, if cultivated and developed, is something peaceful and excellent, something perfect in itself and a pleasant way of living also. Not only that, it dispels evil thoughts that have arisen and makes them vanish…
Two types of people
“These two types of people are difficult to find in the world. What two? One who will do a favour first, and one who is grateful for a favour done.” – Anguttara Nikaya I.86
Thoughts
“These three types of thought cause blindness, loss of sight and ignorance, they put an end to wisdom, are associated with trouble, and do not conduce to Nirvana. What three? Thoughts of greed, hatred and harming. These three types of…
These three people are very helpful to others
“These three people are very helpful to others. What three? One through whom one goes for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha; one through whom one understands the Four Noble Truths; and one through whom one comes…
Father and mother
“There are two people you can never repay. What two? Your father and your mother. Even if you were to carry them on your back and live a hundred years, supporting them, anointing them with medicines, bathing and massaging their…
Four kinds of happiness
“There are these four kinds of happiness to be won by a householder who enjoys sense pleasures from time to time and when occasion offers. What four? The happiness of ownership, the happiness of wealth, the happiness of freedom from…
Friends
“There are four types of people who should be known as enemies disguised as friends: the greedy person, who speaks but does not act, the flatterer and the squanderer. The greedy person is an enemy disguised as a friend for…
Balance
“The Venerable Sona, meditating in solitude, thought to himself: “The Lord’s disciples live in active energy and I am one of them, yet my mind is not detached and free from the defilements. My family is rich; I can forsake…
Modesty
“The Lord said to the monks: “Consider it true that Hatthaka of Alavi is endowed with seven marvellous qualities. What seven? He has faith, virtue, conscientiousness, fear of blame, learning, generosity and wisdom.” Having spoken thus, the Lord rose from…