NEW MOON - Monday 19th January 2015

Honouring

To honour, even for a single moment,

one who has attained self-mastery,
is of greater benefit than a hundred years
spent habitually performing ceremonies
based on a wrong understanding.

Dhammapada v. 107

Here, ‘habitually performing ceremonies’ referred to tending a ritual fire in anticipation of a better rebirth. It could equally well refer to compulsively checking social media accounts, consuming stimulants and shopping. Much of our energy is spent in activities that drain us. Since our energy resources are limited, wouldn’t it be wiser to do that which brings true benefit; to ourselves and to others. We’re fortunate to live at a time when we have ready access to teachings and teachers who have attained self-mastery. In honouring them, aspects of that within us which is honourable become stronger.

With Metta,
Bhikkhu Munindo