The Essence of Good and Evil

Teachings from Namo Amituofo, recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe on the sixteenth of November, two thousand and twenty-five.

The Tangled Web of the Self

What is defined as evil? It is the path of the ego, where one is trapped in the narrow confines of the self. This path is characterised by:

• Selfishness and Self-Interest: One prioritises their own needs above all else, constantly seeking personal gain.
• Attachment to the Ego: One believes that the self is the most important entity, leading to a defensive and arrogant posture.
• Arrogance and Rudeness: One acts with a lack of respect, allowing their tone, expressions, and actions to be governed by impulsive, unruly emotions.
• Greed and Anger: One is consumed by insatiable desires, and easily ignited by anger, which burns away the forest of one's accumulated merits.
• Ignorance and Stubbornness: One refuses to listen to the truth, rejects wise counseling, and remains trapped in doubt and suspicion, unable to trust others.
• Material Obsession: One is addicted to wealth, fame, and sensory pleasures, while becoming overly protective of the physical body.
• Drowsiness and Confusion: Through the over-indulgence in food and sleep, one’s mind becomes clouded, dull, and obscured from the light of wisdom.

The Radiant Path of Goodness

Conversely, what is defined as Goodness? It is the cultivation of a heart that aligns with the Truth. This path is characterised by:

• Virtuous Conduct: One strives to maintain a good heart, speak kind words, perform good deeds, and be a person of integrity.
• Noble Qualities: One embodies honesty, kindness, compassion, and the spirit of joyful letting go, while expanding their mind-capacity to embrace all beings.
• Selflessness: One moves beyond the self to consider the needs and well-being of others.
• Gentleness and Humility: One acts with warmth, respect, caution, and a modest, yielding nature.
• Harmony and Trust: One is free from greed and anger, actively building positive karmic connections, accepting wise guidance, and choosing to trust others rather than clinging to one's own biased views.
• Faith and Practice: One places deep faith in the Buddha, which is the essential foundation for all learning and practice.
• Generosity and Discipline: One engages in the various forms of giving, such as the giving of wealth, the giving of the Dharma, and the giving of fearlessness.
• Balanced Living: One is not obsessed with sensory desires, stays far from the pursuit of fame and profit, and maintains moderation in eating and sleeping.
• The Six Paramitas: One diligently practises the Six Paramitas: Generosity, Discipline, Patience, Diligent Practice, Meditation, and Wisdom.
• Alignment with Truth: One follows the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way in every action.

The Inescapable Echo of Deeds

The actions listed above represent the general distinction between good and evil. We must understand that the laws of karma and cause and effect are absolute; the consequences of our deeds follow us like a shadow follows a form. These consequences are the very factors that determine whether our practice advances or regresses.

It is my sincere hope that the fourfold assembly and all who hear or read these words will reflect deeply upon them. By correcting our faults and embracing the path of Goodness, we will surely make progress on the journey to liberation.

Namo Amituofo