FAITH IN HARMLESSNESS: full moon – Thursday 13th March 2025

Neither for one’s own sake
nor on behalf of another
does a wise person do harm –
not for the sake of family, fortune or gain.
Such a one is rightly called
just, virtuous and wise.


DHAMMAPADA v. 84


Having faith in this principle does not mean we never feel inclined to cause harm. It might, however, mean that when such inclinations arise there is a better chance we will be honest about them. Having the principle established in our hearts has the potential to protect us from habits of heedless reactivity. If the impulse to cause harm does arise, faith in this true principle can support our accurately feeling what we feel, without becoming totally lost in the two extremes of conditioned behaviour: one, denying the impulse and pushing it down into unawareness; or two, acting out. The middle way is the way that leads to living truly responsibly.

Q: Would Pursuing Monkhood Help Me Get Over The Suffering Of A Relationship Issue?

(approx. 5 minutes) KEYWORDS: Q: "I had a relationship issue with a partner and got depressed. As a result I was hospitalised. I now want to give up everything and become a monk. Should I pursue monkhood or not?" Inadequacy, abandoned, let down, indulging, The Discourse On The Turning Of The Wheel Of The Law, denial, middle way, embodied mindfulness, suffering not an obligation, Ven. Sariputta died, loss, a degree of competence, adequacy, make a decision.

Q: Weird Sensations In Vipassana Practice

(approx. 15 minutes) Keywords: “I am having physical issues like dizziness, mind not working …” Purification, violent movements, medical, Burmese techniques, traditional Theravada understanding, vipassana, samadhi, relationship with desire, craving, fire, upadana, view, knowing the movement, Ten Parami, Ten Vectors Of Transformation, generosity, integrity, safety, nekkhamma, saying no practice, heedlessness, exercising agency, indulgence and denial and the middle way, determination, inner confidence, spiritual muscle, patience, soft powers, humility, modesty, forbearance, truthfulness, the casual culture, self distrust, energy, intensity, fear, joy, conscious caring, discernment, Ajahn Thate, reflective intelligence, asking the right questions, what really matters, equanimity, taking personal responsibility, not projecting, sitting with eyes open.

Q: When We Chant, 'May All Beings Be Happy', Does That Mean The Only Good Is Happiness?

(approx. 7 minutes) Keywords: Motivation, formal contemplations, Four Brahma Vihara: metta, karuna, mudita, upekkha, obstructions, denial, indulgence, middle way, Acrobat sutta, selfishness, expanding open-hearted awareness, benefit, conflict, anger, relevance, competence.