When the Buddha was in Jeta Grove near the city of Sravasti in the kingdom of Kosala, he taught his disciples about the difference between ignorant and wise people. The Buddha said, “People should refrain from the three misconducts often committed by the ignorant. What are the three? Ignorant people cannot stop thinking about things they should not think of, saying words that should not be said, and doing deeds that should not be done.”
“What are the things that should not be thought of? The minds of ignorant people often dwell on these three unwholesome things. First, they are constantly envious of others; second, they harbor greed towards others’ possessions and lust in their minds; third, they create unwholesome thoughts on account of jealousy: ‘How wonderful it would be if everything he possesses belonged to me!’ Ignorant people think of these unwholesome things in thought after thought.”
“What are the words that should not be said? Ignorant people often commit four types of verbal faults. They speak falsehoods, use flattering words, say harsh things, and engage in divisive or frivolous speech. These are the four verbal faults often committed by ignorant people.”
“What are the unwholesome deeds committed by ignorant people? Ignorant minds often give rise to all kinds of unwholesome thoughts concerning killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct, therefore creating unwholesome karma. Bhikshus! Because ignorant people have these three mental activities, they habitually create unwholesome karma.”
The Buddha continued, “Bhikshus! Wise people practice three things that result in deep mindfulness and bring them closer to the Way. What are the three? First, the wise contemplate what should be contemplated; second, they speak what ought to be spoken; third, they perform wholesome deeds that should be done.”
“What are the things that should be contemplated? The wise often contemplate three wholesome things: not being jealous, not harboring hatred, and not being ignorant, which is to always have right view. By not giving rise to jealous thoughts when seeing others’ possessions and treasures, the wise contemplate that which should be contemplated.”
“What are the words that ought to be spoken? Wise people create four types of wholesome verbal karma: they refrain from telling lies; discourage others from lying; avoid flattering, harsh, or frivolous speech; and discourage others from using the same. They feel no joy when witnessing others speaking falsehoods. This is how people with wisdom cultivate virtuous karma through verbal conduct.”
“What are the virtuous deeds cultivated and practiced by the wise? The wise are mindful and constantly observe their own actions. They are careful never to cause any afflictions, harm, or offence to others. Therefore, the wise not only refrain from killing, but also from encouraging others to kill. Their hearts feel no joy in seeing others kill. The wise not only refrain from stealing, but they also teach others not to steal. Their hearts feel no joy in seeing others steal. The wise not only avoid indulging in sexual misconduct, but also avoid giving rise to lustful thoughts when seeing others. They never teach others to engage in sexual misconduct. They treat those senior to themselves as their mothers, those of a similar age as their older sisters, and those younger than themselves as their younger sisters. By treating everyone with a mind of equality, the wise perform the three wholesome deeds of not killing, not stealing, and not engaging in sexual misconduct. This is how the wise cultivate. Bhikshus! You should be aware of these three codes of moral conduct.”
“One should stay far away from three misconducts of ignorant people and emulate the practices of the wise. Bhikshus, this is the path to take.”
After listening to the Buddha's Dharma talk, all the bhikshus were filled with joy and practiced the teaching faithfully.
REFLECTION
The virtuous ancients said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Practicing Buddhism begins with performing the ten virtuous actions, which pertain to the three karmas of body, speech, and mind. For bodily karma, they are refraining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct. For verbal karma, they are always speaking truthfully while avoiding divisive speech, harsh words, lies, and frivolous talk. Finally, for mental karma, they are harboring no thoughts of greed, anger, or ignorance. By practicing the ten virtuous actions, we can gradually obtain the wisdom of Buddhism. It is said, “Cultivating good is like spring grass in the garden. It grows every day, even though we do not notice it.” If you can practice the ten virtuous actions consistently in your daily life, you will make progress on the path to enlightenment!