August 30, 2018
Venerable Wuling in Suffering

Learn to be moral 

by observing those who are 

unrestrained. 

An unrestrained person pursues her own preferences and attachments. If these coincide with the established guidelines and rules for good behavior, fine. But if not, she goes her own way, believing that it’s no big deal, justifying that she’s in a hurry, or just placing her happiness before that of others. Whatever.

Wrapped up in her own world, she doesn’t notice the discomfort she’s causing others.

If criticized for her behavior, she might lash out in embarrassment or frustration. She might even get into difficulties legally. She’ll undoubtedly be in trouble karmically for all the suffering she has left in her wake.

This is not someone we want to emulate. We don’t want to distress others. Or become argumentative or sullen when corrected. We want to live a principled life and not have any worries about our behavior.

We want to plant seeds for happiness, not suffering. 

Article originally appeared on a buddhist perspective (http://www.abuddhistperspective.org/).
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