The Dhamma has to sink deeply into the mind so that whatever we do, the mind has always goodness within it. All the ways of making merit are aiming at this. Goodness lies in the right view that is established in the mind. Then we don't have to celebrate it or let anybody know about it, simply let the mind have firm confidence in the goodness and keep going like this.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of internal goodness and right perspective in cultivating a positive mindset.
Ajahn Chah's quote highlights that true goodness comes from within and is rooted in the right understanding and perspective. It suggests that by deeply internalizing the principles of 'Dhamma', one nurtures a continuous state of inner goodness, which does not require external validation or celebration. Instead, it should be a matter of personal conviction and self-assuredness, guiding our actions and thoughts towards merit and positivity.
In practice
In a meditation workshop, to encourage participants to cultivate inner peace.
Once you understand non-self, then the burden of life is gone. You'll be at peace with the world. When we see beyond self, we no longer cling to happiness and we can truly be happy. Learn to let go without struggle, simply let go, to be just as you are - no holding on, no attachment, free.
When sitting in meditation, say, "That's not my business!" with every thought that comes by.
If you haven't wept deeply, you haven't begun to meditate.
To observe and watch one's own mind is something really interesting. The untrained mind will run and follow its old habit patterns. Because it has not been trained and taught, it will get lost in all kinds of stories and issues. Therefore we have to train our mind. The meditation practice in Buddhism is all about training one's own mind.
Meditation is like a single log of wood. Insight and investigation are one end of the log; calm and concentration are the other end. If you lift up the whole log, both sides come up at once. Which is concentration and which is insight? Just this mind.
The heart is just the heart; thoughts and feelings are just thoughts and feelings. Let things be just as they are.
Die happily and look forward to taking up a new and better form. Like the sun, only when you set in the west can you rise in the east.
To a modern mind, it is difficult to feel enthusiastic about a virtuous life if nothing is going to be achieved by it.
Poverty is clearly one source of emotional suffering, but there are others, like loneliness. A policy to reduce the loneliness of the elderly would certainly reduce suffering.
A Jesus who never wept could never wipe away my tears.
Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it -- every, every minute?
The difficulty for most of us in the modern world is that the old-fashioned idea of God has become incredible or implausible.
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