This episode explores the foundation of a happy life: ethical disciple. Ethical discipline is the practice of purposely refraining from non-virtuous actions for a certain amount of time. Non-virtuous actions are those that cause ourselves and others to suffer. Non-virtuous actions happen when we have confused, deluded states of mind like anger, attachment, pride, and fear. Non-virtuous actions create negative karma, which causes our unpleasant experiences-- thus good karma is the creator of experiences of happiness! This episode describes how listeners to practice ethical discipline and lay the foundation for their happiest life.

The verses of the Dhammapada (Chapter 1, verse 17-18) we study in this episode are:

"The evil doer suffers in this world

And he suffers in the next

He suffers in both

He suffers when he thinks of the evil he has done

And e suffers more when going on the evil path.

 

The virtuous man delights in this world

And he is happy in the next.

He is happy in both.

He is happy when he thinks of the good he has done,

And he is still more happy when going on the good path."