Best Of

As far as shortcomings are concerned, we all have those. Most of them have specific antidotes, but unless you’re willing to get specific it’s hard to share remedies. I understand not everyone is willing to talk about their issues online, and would rather do so 1-on-1 with a teacher. That is what the personal mail feature is for, I guess. But I am just an amateur, though I know a few things.

On the more general front, I found contemplating this list from @pegembara to be very helpful, it showed me a number of things I did well and a number of places where I fell short… it is a list of blessings that functions as a kind of roadmap to good behaviour.

The 38 Highest Blessings
To avoid the company of fools: Steering clear of those who are unethical or unwise.
To associate with the wise: Surrounding yourself with people who encourage spiritual and moral growth.
To honour those worthy of honour: Respecting parents, teachers, and elders.
To live in a suitable place: Residing in an environment conducive to ethical and safe living.
To have done good deeds in the past: Enjoying the fruits of past merits while continuing to build more.
To set oneself on the right path: Directing your life toward virtue and wisdom.
To have a good education: Cultivating both general and moral knowledge.
To be proficient at work: Mastering a craft or profession to support yourself ethically.
To follow a code of discipline: Practicing moral restraint, such as the Five Precepts.
To practice pleasant speech: Using words that are true, kind, and beneficial.
To support your parents: Caring for father and mother with gratitude.
To cherish your spouse and children: Fulfilling duties toward your immediate family.
To have peaceful occupations: Engaging in work that does not cause harm.
To be charitable: Practicing generosity and giving to others.
To practice virtuous conduct: Living a life of moral integrity.
To help your relatives: Providing assistance to extended family and friends.
To perform blameless actions: Engaging in socially and ethically responsible deeds.
To shun evil: Avoiding unwholesome and harmful behaviours.
To abstain from evil: Actively refraining from negative speech and actions.
To refrain from intoxicants: Avoiding substances that cloud the mind.
To be diligent in righteousness: Staying steadfast in following the teachings (Dhamma).
To have reverence: Showing deep respect for the Triple Gem and spiritual mentors.
To be humble: Avoiding pride and conceit.
To be content: Being satisfied with what one has.
To be grateful: Recognising and returning the kindness of others.
To hear the teachings at the right time: Listening to the Dhamma on appropriate occasions.
To have patience: Enduring hardships and difficulties with equanimity.
To be amenable to correction: Being open to advice and self-improvement.
To see holy persons: Meeting monks or spiritually realised teachers.
To discuss the teachings: Engaging in spiritual dialogue at suitable times.
To practice self-restraint: Controlling the senses and desires through meditation or discipline.
To live a noble/holy life: Adhering to the Noble Eightfold Path.
To realise the Four Noble Truths: Penetrating the deep reality of suffering and its end.
To attain Nibbana: Reaching the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering.
To have a mind unshaken by worldly events: Remaining calm amidst gain/loss, praise/blame, etc.
To have a mind free from sorrow: Living without grief or distress.
To have an undefiled mind: Keeping the mind free from greed, hatred, and delusion.
To have a secure mind: Attaining a state of ultimate peace and safety