People with Integrity

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Untrustworthy people retreat from their lies step-by-step:

“It is absolutely untrue. I feel insulted that you could think this of me.”

“It is not true. How many more times do I need to repeat this?”

“Yes, well, true, but only to a very limited degree.”

“I am sorry to say that it is true, but it in no way reflects who I really am.”

The sneaky mind can come up with a hundred ways to put a more positive spin on its behaviour:

“It was just once. One single time.”

“I’ve hardly ever done it. Very rarely.”

“I’m only human.”

“Anybody in my position would have been tempted.”

“In fact, I’ve done it a lot less than many other people.”

“I’ve done so many good things. Why is nobody talking about them?”

“Actually, compared to all the good things I’ve done, this is nothing.”

“It’s time to move on.”

People with integrity take responsibility for their actions. They apologise for the hurt they have caused without reservation. They say, ‘Please tell me what you want me to do to make amends.’

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.