The essence of the Buddha’s teaching is to learn to see things truthfully, fully and clearly. Seeing the truth in itself brings freedom.

To act in ways that are kind and wholesome is the most basic way to further the teaching of Buddha. To do what is good, to help other people, to work with charity and morality, brings good results, brings a cool and happy mind for yourself and others.

To teach other people is a beautiful and important responsibility that one should accept with a full heart. The way to do it properly is to understand that in teaching others you must always be teaching yourself. You have to take care of your own practice and your own purity. It’s not enough to simply tell others what’s correct. You must work with what you teach in your own heart, being unwaveringly honest with yourself and with others. Acknowledge what is pure and what is not. The essence of the Buddha’s teaching is to learn to see things truthfully, fully and clearly. Seeing the truth in itself brings freedom.

– Ajahn Chah, A Still Forest Pool

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