Action speak louder than words
Good words alone are not enough; you should also do good deeds and that's how you come to be respected, says Buddhist monk Sumangalo.
When we speak of action, we always mean making sure that our conduct, behaviour and all our deeds are such that we can properly call each act "Right Action".
An ancient proverb says: "Actions speak louder than words". Good words ought to be coupled with good deeds. No matter how cleverly we may try always to speak in a good way, we shall fail to disguise our true nature unless our acts are the same as our words.
Keep your promise
Every boy and girl ought to learn quite early in life, that promises are sacred things. We must not be too quick to promise to do this or that. We ought first to decide if the promise when kept will be "Right Action". Also, before we make a promise, we ought to ask ourselves if we shall be able to make our actions fit in with our words. Those who fail to keep promises soon are not respected.
All of us ought to arrange all our actions so that they will earn us respect from our friends and all who know us. But this is only half the picture. The other side is the importance of keeping our self-respect. If we commit wrong actions, we ought first to think carefully to see if it will bring us joy or sorrow. If we think and act wisely and well, then we shall not need to feel shame for our conduct. Wise thought coupled with wise action brings us the respect of others and keeps us from losing our self-respect.
Set an example
So many say they believe Lord Buddha's teachings. But when we look at their actions, we wonder if they are telling the truth, because their deeds do not fit in with their words. We must always remember that Buddha's religion is something to do, not just something to talk about.
Among the Tamil people of India, there is a legend about a holy man who became known all over India as a famous teacher and preacher. Thousands of pilgrims came to learn from him. He showed
When we speak of action, we always mean making sure that our conduct, behaviour and all our deeds are such that we can properly call each act "Right Action".
An ancient proverb says: "Actions speak louder than words". Good words ought to be coupled with good deeds. No matter how cleverly we may try always to speak in a good way, we shall fail to disguise our true nature unless our acts are the same as our words.
Keep your promise
Every boy and girl ought to learn quite early in life, that promises are sacred things. We must not be too quick to promise to do this or that. We ought first to decide if the promise when kept will be "Right Action". Also, before we make a promise, we ought to ask ourselves if we shall be able to make our actions fit in with our words. Those who fail to keep promises soon are not respected.
All of us ought to arrange all our actions so that they will earn us respect from our friends and all who know us. But this is only half the picture. The other side is the importance of keeping our self-respect. If we commit wrong actions, we ought first to think carefully to see if it will bring us joy or sorrow. If we think and act wisely and well, then we shall not need to feel shame for our conduct. Wise thought coupled with wise action brings us the respect of others and keeps us from losing our self-respect.
Set an example
So many say they believe Lord Buddha's teachings. But when we look at their actions, we wonder if they are telling the truth, because their deeds do not fit in with their words. We must always remember that Buddha's religion is something to do, not just something to talk about.
Among the Tamil people of India, there is a legend about a holy man who became known all over India as a famous teacher and preacher. Thousands of pilgrims came to learn from him. He showed