Kindness Guided by Wisdom

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Kindness without wisdom can sometimes do more harm than good. Kindness guided by wisdom is more effective because it takes into account the overall and long-term welfare of the person to whom we feel kind.

A small young novice was given the great honour of becoming one of Ajahn Chah’s personal attendants. In the first days he felt overwhelmed by his new post but gradually the mettā Luang Phor showed towards him made him feel more comfortable. One day, while cleaning out a cupboard, the young novice came across a ceramic tile bearing an image of his teacher. It seemed to have been there a long time. He thought how much his mother would appreciate it. Later that day, alone with Luang Phor, he plucked up his courage and asked if he might have the tile. Suddenly – and to the novice’s consternation – Luang Phor’s kind face transformed into a cold mask. He dismissed the request in a harsh tone that deeply mortified the young boy.

After the novice had completed his term as personal attendant he was sent to another monastery. One day, three months later, he was sought out by a newly-arrived monk. The monk handed him the ceramic tile. Luang Phor, he said, had instructed him to give it to the novice.

At that moment the young novice realized that Luang Phor had intended for him to have the tile all along. But he did not want the young boy to get the idea that serving the teacher made him eligible for gifts or perks of any kind. Luang Phor’s stern countenance had been as much an expression of his mettā as his warm, grandfatherly smiles.

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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.