We say that to 'give up all evil and to develop the good'…
“We say that to 'give up all evil and to develop the good' is the heart of the Buddha's teaching. If we only make merit but have not stopped doing bad things, then we will never have a day of completion. It is like an overturned bowl which is left outside in the rain. Even if the water is falling right on it, it only touches the outside and not the inside. In this way the bowl will never get full.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True moral progress requires both good deeds and the cessation of harmful actions; otherwise virtue remains superficial.
In simple terms: Good deeds plus stopping harm create true virtue.
Key Takeaway
Eliminate bad habits while doing good.
Themes
morality
balance
spiritual practice
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
teaching
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- spiritual training
- daily conduct
Key Concepts
karma
mindfulness
ethical consistency
Questions to Reflect On
- What harmful habits persist despite good actions?
- How can you recognize hidden negativity?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on good deeds can mask underlying negativity.