A Good Person

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Where in the world is the good person to be found? Ultimately, there is no such thing. But what does exist, without doubt, are moments of goodness – actions, words and trains of thought motivated by wholesome mental states.

We might say then that a good person is one who consistently and reliably manifests goodness in body, speech and mind.

We don’t have to try to be a good person, or to feel bad that we are not as good a person as we would like to be, or think we should be. We simply need to make the effort to manifest goodness as many times a day as we can. Then find joy in doing so. In this way we honour the Triple Gem, wherever we are and whatever task we are performing.

- - ❖ - -

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

- - ❖ - -

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