The timely company of friends is goodness. Fewness of needs is goodness. Having accumulated virtue at life’s end is goodness. Having dispensed with all suffering is goodness.
Dhammapada 331
What is goodness? Obviously we all have a concept of goodness. What do we understand this concept to mean? Presumably we hold a variety of perspectives on it. Everyday goodness would probably be about personal preferences regarding such matters as the weather or our state of health. In this verse the Buddha is highlighting goodness in terms of principles. Within this teaching is the encouragement to value those things that are going to generate most benefit. ‘Good weather’ is indeed agreeable, though having reliable friends who support our aspirations to free our hearts and minds from confusion is more valuable.
These Dhammapada quotes have been taken or adapted from, A Dhammapada For Contemplation, by Ajahn Munindo, published by Aruno Publications. They should not be understood as literal renderings of the Dhammapada. For literal translations, please read other works. The reflections are by Ajahn Munindo.
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Full Moon – Vesakha Puja – Sunday 31st May, 2026
The Buddha's perfection is complete; there is no more work to be done. No measure is there for his wisdom; no limits are there to be found. In what way could he be distracted from truth?
Dhammapada 179
Today, being the full moon of May, is an occasion for remembering, with gratitude, our good fortune in having heard the Buddha's teachings. There are many beings who remain totally unaware of the possibilities that this path of practice offers, and struggle accordingly. We still struggle, though thanks to the guidance we've been given by our Teacher we are encouraged to make the effort to meet the struggle with interest, and not mere judgment. Rather than saying, "It shouldn't be this way" and resisting and resenting the struggles, we can enquire: "How can I be more honest in my relationship with life in this moment".
These Dhammapada quotes have been taken or adapted from, A Dhammapada For Contemplation, by Ajahn Munindo, published by Aruno Publications. They should not be understood as literal renderings of the Dhammapada. For literal translations, please read other works. The reflections are by Ajahn Munindo.
All content strictly for free distribution only.
Q: Developing A Truly Heartfelt Buddhist Form Of Devotion
(approx. 14 minutes) KEYWORDS: Q: "Please can you talk a little about the way to develop a truly heartfelt, but genuinely Buddhist devotion, and how to relate to the Buddha in one's heart?" Personal reflections,emotions, commitment, loyalty, aliveness, concepts, meditation tools, open-hearted state, nourishment, lifestyle guru, rehydrate, awareness, candle, incense, Refuges, determinations, gratitude, avoiding negative emotions, terrifying movies, joy, happiness, caring, painting, rust, habits, losing ourselves, news items, despair, emotional repertoire, capacious, intelligence, neurosis, fear, reclaiming native sensitivity, solitary practice, Dedication of Punnya, intentional wishing, psalms, theism, anthropomorphism, external authority, trust, freedom.