Full Moon – Monday 29th June, 2026

The timely company of friends is goodness.
Fewness of needs is goodness.
Having accumulated virtue at life’s end is goodness.
Having dispensed with all suffering is goodness.

Dhammapada 331

What is goodness? Obviously we all have a concept of goodness. What do we understand this concept to mean? Presumably we hold a variety of perspectives on it. Everyday goodness would probably be about personal preferences regarding such matters as the weather or our state of health. In this verse the Buddha is highlighting goodness in terms of principles. Within this teaching is the encouragement to value those things that are going to generate most benefit. ‘Good weather’ is indeed agreeable, though having reliable friends who support our aspirations to free our hearts and minds from confusion is more valuable.

(This post is also available at dhammakatha.org)

These Dhammapada quotes have been taken or adapted from, A Dhammapada For Contemplation, by Ajahn Munindo, published by Aruno Publications. They should not be understood as literal renderings of the Dhammapada. For literal translations, please read other works. The reflections are by Ajahn Munindo.

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